Brighton 5-0 Crystal Palace was over almost before it started. Fabian Hurzeler’s side scored three times in the opening ten minutes at the Amex on Sunday, including a remarkable strike from around the halfway line by Diego Gomez, and added two more after the break. The win lifts Brighton to third in the Premier League, while Palace drop to 14th.
Brighton 5-0 Crystal Palace: Key Facts
- Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 7
- Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
- Venue: American Express Stadium, Brighton
- Brighton scorers: Canvot own goal (4), Gomez (7), Ayari (10), Kostoulas (49), Hinshelwood (84)
- Table after: Brighton 3rd on 16 points, Crystal Palace 14th on 7 points
- Managers: Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton), Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)
Three Goals in Ten Minutes
Palace came into the south coast derby hoping to bounce back from their midweek defeat in Lyon, which we covered in our Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace report. Instead, their afternoon fell apart in a matter of minutes.
The first goal came after just four minutes. Pascal Gross swung a ball into the near post and Jaydee Canvot, under pressure, headed it into his own net. Palace had barely reset before they were two down. In the seventh minute Diego Gomez spotted Walter Benitez off his line and struck a first-time effort from around the halfway line that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net. It is the kind of goal that will be replayed all season.
Three minutes later it was effectively finished. Charalampos Kostoulas slipped a pass through to Yasin Ayari, whose finish found the bottom corner via a touch off Canvot. Three goals inside ten minutes left Palace stunned and the home crowd in full voice.
Brighton Keep Their Foot Down After the Break
To their credit, Palace steadied themselves before half-time and avoided further damage. But any hope of a comeback disappeared four minutes into the second half. A Gross cross was blocked, the ball broke kindly for Kostoulas and he finished with his left foot from close range to make it 4-0.
Palace did have their moments. Jean-Philippe Mateta, back from injury and introduced off the bench, struck the crossbar, and Jefferson Lerma hit the woodwork with a header. On another day those chances might have made the scoreline look a little kinder.
Brighton had the final word with six minutes left. Benitez parried a header from a corner and substitute Jack Hinshelwood was on hand to tap in from close range for the fifth.
What It Means for Brighton
This was a statement performance. Brighton have now scored 23 league goals in seven games, the most in the division, and have conceded only five. They sit third, two points behind Arsenal and five behind leaders Manchester City, and are playing with real confidence.
Our pre-match Brighton vs Crystal Palace prediction expected a home win, but few would have predicted a margin this big. With Kostoulas, Gomez and Ayari all contributing, Hurzeler has goals coming from several areas of the pitch, which makes Brighton very hard to plan against.
Is Brighton’s Form Sustainable?
The early part of the season has been close to perfect for the Seagulls, with five wins, a draw and a defeat from seven matches. The squad has depth, the attacking players are in form and the defence has been solid. Keeping that going alongside a busy autumn schedule will be the test, but on this evidence they will be in the conversation for a top four place for some time.
What It Means for Crystal Palace
For Palace this was a painful afternoon, and it was their first league defeat away from home since the opening weekend. They have now picked up just seven points from seven games and the defence is a clear concern, with too many goals conceded across league and European football. Pierre Sage will want a response quickly, particularly from his back line, which was opened up far too easily in the opening stages.
Palace made three changes from the side that lost in Lyon, and the heavy schedule appears to be taking a toll. The return of Mateta is a positive, and his effort against the bar showed he can still make a difference.
Betting Angle: What Bettors Can Take From This
Brighton’s attack is firing, which makes Brighton goals markets worth watching in their upcoming matches. Palace, on the other hand, are leaking goals, so opponents to score and over 2.5 goals lines could be worth a look in their next few fixtures. Check our latest football predictions for upcoming tips, and always compare the latest prices before you bet.
The full fixture list and table are available on the official Premier League website.
FAQ
Who scored in Brighton vs Crystal Palace?
Brighton’s goals came from a Jaydee Canvot own goal, Diego Gomez, Yasin Ayari, Charalampos Kostoulas and Jack Hinshelwood in a 5-0 win.
Where are Brighton in the Premier League table?
Brighton are third on 16 points after seven games, behind Manchester City and Arsenal.
How did Diego Gomez score against Crystal Palace?
Gomez noticed goalkeeper Walter Benitez off his line and struck a first-time shot from around the halfway line that went over him and in.
Where are Crystal Palace in the table after the defeat?
Crystal Palace are 14th with seven points from their first seven league matches.
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