Roberto De Zerbi had promised that Brighton fans would see the best of his side on Saturday and how right he was as Crystal Palace were put to the sword at fortress Amex.

The Italian would have watched with some pride as his players produce the perfect response to the midweek loss to Luton and enjoy the biggest win over their old rivals since a 5-0 drubbing in 1956.

Lewis Dunk set the tone with a close-range header after three minutes before two goals in two minutes by a couple of teenagers – Jack Hinshelwood and Facundo Buonanotte – made it 3-0 at the break.

Jean-Phillipe Mateta pulled one back but Albion saved the best until last when brilliant link-up play by Danny Welbeck set up Joao for his 17th goal of the season and Albion were back up to seventh in the Premier League table.