Brighton delivered a stunning 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium, securing Fabian Hurzeler's first win against the Seagulls' fierce rivals and increasing the pressure on Palace manager Pierre Sage.
Three goals inside the opening nine minutes effectively settled the contest, with Diego Gomez producing an extraordinary strike from near the halfway line.
Charalampos Kostoulas and Jack Hinshelwood added second-half goals as Brighton continued their impressive Premier League form.
Brighton score three in nine minutes as Gomez steals the show
Brighton made a remarkable start despite heavy rain on the south coast.
Jaydee Canvot turned Pascal Gross's free-kick into his own net after four minutes before Gomez doubled the lead three minutes later.
The Paraguayan midfielder spotted goalkeeper Walter Benitez off his line and unleashed a powerful effort from near the halfway line, scoring his first goal of the season.
Yasin Ayari then made it 3-0 in the ninth minute when his shot deflected off Canvot.
Palace struggled to cope with Brighton's pressing and intensity, with the hosts repeatedly winning possession and creating opportunities.
The dominance continued after half-time when Kostoulas converted following a blocked Ayari effort.
Substitute Hinshelwood completed the scoring after Benitez parried Luka Vuskovic's header.
Hurzeler celebrates first Palace win as Sage faces questions
Hurzeler had failed to beat Palace in his previous four meetings, making Sunday's emphatic result particularly significant.
Before the match, the Brighton manager had admitted that beating Palace was one achievement missing from his time at the club.
His side responded with a commanding performance that reinforced their position among the Premier League's leading teams.
For Sage, the defeat represents another setback after Palace's difficult start to the campaign.
The Eagles had beaten Nottingham Forest the previous weekend but were comprehensively outplayed at the Amex.
Brighton's greater squad rotation following Thursday's European fixtures also appeared influential, with Palace fielding eight players who had started their midweek defeat in Lyon.
Key Points
- Brighton thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Amex Stadium.
- Diego Gomez scored a spectacular goal from near the halfway line.
- Palace defender Jaydee Canvot scored two own goals.
- Charalampos Kostoulas and Jack Hinshelwood completed the scoring.
- Fabian Hurzeler secured his first victory over Palace, increasing scrutiny on Pierre Sage.
What's Next?
Brighton will look to maintain their momentum as they compete near the top of the Premier League table.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, must recover quickly from a damaging rivalry defeat, with Sage facing renewed questions about his team's performances and defensive organisation.
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