Crystal Palace were beaten 5-0 by Brighton, with the home side describing the result as another important step in an impressive start to the season.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said the victory was particularly satisfying for the club’s supporters, while also highlighting the team’s intensity, work in personal duels, second-ball recovery and set-piece quality. He added that Brighton had kept another clean sheet but still had areas to improve.
Diego Gomez’s long-range finish was one of the major talking points. Hurzeler said the goal was not something Brighton specifically train for, but praised Gomez’s awareness, accuracy and ability to react quickly after recognising the goalkeeper’s position. Defender Lewis Dunk was equally impressed, saying Gomez’s confidence and powerful shooting were evident in the strike.
Dunk felt Brighton were the stronger team throughout the match, pointing to their intensity and commitment. However, he rejected the opportunity to discuss whether the Seagulls should be considered title contenders, insisting the squad’s attention was on its next Conference League fixture and the following Premier League game.
The result leaves Brighton with 23 Premier League goals this season, their highest total at this stage of a campaign across the top four tiers. Only Barcelona have scored more among clubs from Europe’s big-five leagues this term, while Brighton teenager Charalampos Kostoulas has five direct goal involvements, behind only Lamine Yamal among teenagers in those leagues.
