Brighton surprise Arsenal and end their unbeaten run

Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Arsenal 3-0 at the American Express Community Stadium, handing the league champions their first defeat of the season. Jurriën Timber started in the lineup on his return, while the Gunners failed to score a goal.

Arsenal's unbeaten run ends

Previously Arsenal had won all competitive matches, but at Brighton's stadium the team showed little of its early dominance. The Londoners had more possession, but were wing‑thin and did surprisingly little with the ball. With a stronger defence from the Seagulls, Arsenal could not convert the pressure.

Brighton takes chances and wins convincingly

After half an hour the opening goal came from Pascal Gross in the 31st minute; the German midfielder found a gap and struck David Raya in the short corner. At halftime Charalampos Kostoulas doubled the margin, the Greek teenager shot the ball between Gabriel and Ezri Konsa and made it 2-0.

Arsenal move for this talented midfielder should Arteta snap him

In the second half Arteta made several substitutions, including Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman, but the London attack remained unimpressive. Chema Andrés headed in the 57th minute from a corner and gave Brighton the definitive 3-0. Bart Verbruggen kept a clean sheet with a series of saves, including one from a shot by Bukayo Saka and a chance from Kai Havertz.

The defeat means Arsenal temporarily loses the top spot in the Premier League to Manchester City, who play Sunderland on Sunday. Brighton therefore climbs to third place in the table, a solid position in the upper echelons.

The victory coincided with the celebration of Brighton’s 125‑year existence, giving the win extra significance for the club. In addition to this match other results were mentioned: Everton won 1-0 at Ipswich Town and Newcastle United secured 2-1 against Hull City.