Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season came crashing to an end on Saturday as Brighton & Hove Albion stunned the champions 3-0 at the Amex Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrived on the south coast having won their opening four league matches and all seven of their competitive games this season, but Brighton produced a commanding performance to hand the Gunners their first defeat.
Pascal Gross opened the scoring in the 31st minute, firing from the edge of the box to put the hosts ahead on Saturday.
Brighton doubled their advantage just before half-time when Charalampos Kostoulas found the net with another long-range effort, leaving Arsenal with a two-goal deficit at the break.
The Seagulls continued to trouble Arsenal after the restart and extended their lead in the 57th minute through Chema Andrés, who headed home to make it 3-0.
Arsenal struggled to produce a response as Brighton controlled the contest and created the clearer chances.
The result represents a significant setback for the defending champions after their impressive opening to the campaign. Arsenal had beaten Manchester United, Leeds United, Chelsea and Sunderland in their first four league fixtures, while also recording victories over Napoli in the Champions League and Ipswich Town in the League Cup.
For Brighton, the victory continues an impressive run of form under Fabian Hürzeler. The Seagulls had thrashed Coventry City 5-0 in their previous Premier League outing before overcoming Manchester United 3-2 in the League Cup.
The defeat also brings Arsenal’s winning run against Brighton at the Amex to an end after their 1-0 victory at the venue in March.
Arsenal will now have to regroup after the international break, with their unbeaten league record gone after five matches.
