Brighton thrash Premier League champions Arsenal 3-0 at the Amex, ending the Gunners’ perfect start to the season.
Brighton (2.49) beat champions Arsenal 3-0 at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The result ended Arsenal’s run of seven consecutive wins to start the new season.
A Blistering Start From The Hosts
Brighton pressed from the opening whistle, with Ferdi Kadioglu striking over inside three minutes. Charalampos Kostoulas proved especially lively, forcing a smart save from David Raya soon afterward.
Arsenal (1.33) created chances of their own, with Bruno Guimaraes striking the side netting from a tight angle. Brighton’s pressure eventually told just after the half-hour mark. Pascal Gross curled a superb strike beyond Raya’s reach for his third league goal of the season.
Kostoulas Doubles The Lead
Bukayo Saka should have levelled for Arsenal just before halftime after a rapid counter-attack. He could only direct his effort straight into goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s grasp. Brighton punished that miss almost immediately through their own dangerous counter.
Kostoulas found space unmarked and thumped a rising effort into the bottom corner. That second goal arrived remarkably before the interval, leaving Arsenal stunned heading into the break.
Andres Seals A Famous Win
Brighton continued to dominate proceedings throughout the second half of the contest. Gross recorded his 51st career assist with an inswinging corner delivery. New signing Chema Andres met that delivery with a powerful header for his first Seagulls goal.
Arsenal continued creating half-chances without ever seriously threatening a genuine comeback. Substitute Viktor Gyokeres set up Kai Havertz late on, but Verbruggen produced a smart save. Raya also denied Matt O’Riley from close range as Brighton searched for a fourth goal.
Arsenal’s Perfect Start Ends
The result marked Arsenal’s first defeat in all competitions this season. It also snapped their run of nine consecutive league victories dating back to last term. Brighton have now won their last three home league matches against Arsenal specifically.
The Seagulls climbed to third place in the table heading into the international break. Arsenal remain second, just ahead of Brighton on goal difference behind leaders Manchester City. Coach Mikel Arteta will face considerable scrutiny during the upcoming break following this heavy defeat.
