Gross, Kostoulas and Andres Score as Gunners Suffer Heaviest Defeat Since 2023
Arsenal’s perfect start to their Premier League title defence came to an emphatic end on Saturday as Brighton defeated the champions 3-0 at the Amex.
Mikel Arteta’s side had won all seven of their matches in all competitions this season before travelling to the south coast.
Brighton took control early and opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Pascal Gross fired a shot into the net off the inside of the post.
Arsenal struggled to respond and conceded again shortly before half-time, with Charalampos Kostoulas finding space on the edge of the area before beating goalkeeper David Raya.
The visitors failed to produce the expected second-half comeback and fell further behind in the 60th minute.
Chema Andres headed in Gross’ corner from close range to complete Brighton’s 3-0 victory.
The result maintained Brighton’s strong start to the season, with the club scoring 16 goals in their first five league matches.
Brighton entered the match with confidence after recovering from two goals down to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup during the week.
For Arsenal, the defeat was their heaviest in any competition since April 2023 and marked a third consecutive season in which they have lost at the Amex.