Brighton produced one of the biggest results of the Premier League season so far, beating defending champions Arsenal 3-0 at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal arrived on the south coast with a perfect record after winning their opening four league matches and seven games in all competitions. But Brighton exposed their weaknesses with a ruthless display and climbed to third in the table.
Pascal Gross opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Charalampos Kostoulas created the opening with a clever pass before Gross finished from the edge of the area to put Brighton ahead.
Arsenal struggled to turn their possession into clear chances and were punished again just before half-time. Diego Gomez supplied Kostoulas, who found space and calmly fired past David Raya to make it 2-0.
Mikel Arteta kept his starting XI unchanged after the break, but Brighton quickly put the result beyond doubt. Gross delivered a corner in the 57th minute and Chema Andres rose to head the ball into the bottom corner for his side’s third goal.
The hosts could have added more. Pascal Struijk went close with a header from another corner, while Arsenal struggled to create a meaningful response. Brighton’s victory was built on efficiency rather than possession. Arsenal had 60 percent of the ball and completed more passes, but Brighton had more shots and more efforts on target.
The defeat ended Arsenal’s perfect start and dropped them to second behind Manchester City on goal difference, with both teams on 12 points. Brighton moved to third with 10 points after five matches and remained unbeaten. It was also a landmark day for Brighton as the club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a statement victory over the reigning champions.
