Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season came to a dramatic end as Brighton & Hove Albion stunned the defending champions with a 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium.

Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas scored in the first half before summer signing Chema Andrés added a third shortly after the break to complete a memorable win for Brighton.

Arsenal had been defensively impressive in the opening weeks of the campaign, but their performance on the south coast exposed unexpected vulnerabilities. The Gunners conceded three goals in one match — as many as they had conceded across the rest of the season combined.

The defeat also ended Arsenal’s 100% record and marked their first loss by three or more goals since May 2023, when Brighton also defeated them 3-0.

Gross Breaks the Deadlock

The opening half was relatively cagey, with neither side able to create a clear advantage during the early stages.

The match burst into life around the half-hour mark when Gross found himself with time and space on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area.

Arsenal centre-backs Gabriel and Ezri Konsa failed to close the German down, allowing him to unleash a powerful effort.

Gross’ driven shot struck David Raya’s near post before finding the back of the net, giving Brighton the lead.

The goal continued Gross’ excellent recent form and represented his fourth goal in his last five games.

Kostoulas Doubles Brighton’s Advantage

Arsenal struggled to respond and were punished again just before half-time.

Once again, the Brighton attack found space between Arsenal’s centre-backs. Diego Gómez supplied Kostoulas, who was able to collect the pass without significant pressure.

Kostoulas then produced a low, driven finish that went between Gabriel and Konsa before finding the bottom-left corner.

The goal gave Brighton a 2-0 lead at half-time and left Arsenal facing the prospect of their first defeat of the season.

Andrés Adds a Third

Arsenal needed a quick response after the restart, but Brighton instead delivered another decisive blow.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, Gross played a key role once again, sending a corner towards the back post.

Chema Andrés rose highest and headed the ball beyond Raya to make it 3-0.

It was a particularly memorable moment for Andrés, who scored on his full home debut for Brighton.

The third goal effectively ended Arsenal’s hopes of recovering from their poor start.

Arsenal Unable to Find a Consolation Goal

Mikel Arteta attempted to change the game by turning to his substitutes, bringing Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres off the bench.

However, Brighton remained comfortable and Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities.

Kai Havertz came closest to giving the visitors something to celebrate when he raced through on goal.

His low effort looked dangerous, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen reacted quickly and made the save with his feet.

That proved to be Arsenal’s best opportunity to reduce the deficit as Brighton comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

Brighton Move Into Third

The result represents one of Brighton’s most impressive victories of the season and lifts them to third place in the Premier League table.

For Arsenal, the defeat brings their perfect opening run to an end and leaves them vulnerable at the top of the standings.

Manchester City have the opportunity to move three points clear of Arsenal if they defeat Sunderland on Sunday.

The result also carries an interesting historical connection. Arsenal’s previous defeat by three or more goals came against Brighton in May 2023, when the Seagulls also recorded a 3-0 victory.

Brighton will now take confidence from a result that showcased their attacking quality and exposed an Arsenal defence that had previously looked extremely difficult to break down.

For the champions, the focus will now turn to responding quickly and ensuring one heavy defeat does not derail their campaign.