Brighton End Arsenal’s Perfect Start With 3-0 Rout
By Dim Oba, LAGOS – Arsenal’s perfect start to their Premier League title defence came crashing down on Saturday as Brighton & Hove Albion produced a dominant 3-0 victory over the champions at the Amex Stadium.
Pascal Gross opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box before Charalampos Kostoulas doubled Brighton’s advantage just before half-time.
Arsenal struggled to impose themselves despite enjoying more possession, with Brighton’s pressing and attacking intensity causing persistent problems for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The hosts put the result beyond doubt in the 57th minute when Chema Andrés rose to head home from a corner, completing a memorable afternoon for Brighton.
The defeat ended Arsenal’s run of four consecutive Premier League victories and was their first loss of the 2026/27 campaign. It was also the first time the Gunners had conceded three goals in a match since December 2023.
Brighton, meanwhile, moved to 10 points from five matches and climbed to third place, while Arsenal remained on 12 points. Brighton’s victory also extended their impressive scoring form, taking their league tally to 16 goals in five games.
For Arteta, the result provides an early setback in Arsenal’s attempt to retain the Premier League title, with the manager acknowledging that Brighton were the better side on the day.
