Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season came to a dramatic end as a brilliant Brighton secured a stunning 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium.
The Gunners were chasing an eighth consecutive win — which would have marked their best start to a season in 123 years — but instead found themselves completely outplayed by Fabian Hurzeler’s determined Brighton side.
Brighton set the tone from the opening minute, pressing Arsenal relentlessly and denying Mikel Arteta’s side the time and space to settle into the game.
Pascal Gross opened the scoring with a superb long-range strike before Charalampos Kostoulas doubled Brighton’s advantage before half-time. Both goals came after Arsenal allowed the Brighton attackers far too much room to shoot.
The Seagulls continued their dominance after the break and added a third just nine minutes into the second half. Chema Andres rose at the far post to head home Gross’ corner for his first Brighton goal, with Arsenal once again guilty of poor marking.
The 3-0 scoreline could even have been harsher on Arsenal, who struggled to match Brighton’s intensity, commitment and quality throughout the contest.
The victory lifts Brighton to third in the Premier League table, just two points behind Arsenal.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have the opportunity to move three points clear at the top if they beat Sunderland on Sunday before the lengthy international break.
