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Brighton and Hove Albion ended Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season with a convincing 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal had won their opening four league matches and seven games in all competitions before travelling to Brighton, but Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity and pressing.
Pascal Gross opened the scoring in the 31st minute when he fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Brighton created space around the Arsenal penalty area.
The hosts doubled their advantage just before half-time through Charalampos Kostoulas, who found the bottom corner with a long-range effort.
Arsenal came close to reducing the deficit shortly before the second goal, but Bukayo Saka’s close-range effort was saved by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Brighton continued to dominate after the break and extended their lead in the 57th minute when Chema Andrés headed home from Gross’ corner.
Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities as Brighton maintained control and could have added further goals before the final whistle.
The defeat was Arsenal’s first of the season and ended their hopes of beginning their title defence with eight consecutive victories.
The result moved Brighton up to third place, while Arsenal remained above them on goal difference.
