Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Premier League champions Arsenal at the Amex Stadium, marking the club’s 125th anniversary with a memorable performance. The win disrupted Arsenal’s bid for an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions to start the season, a feat they had last approached in 1903 when the club was known as Woolwich Arsenal.
Brighton took the lead through two first-half goals from Pascal Gross, the veteran stand-in captain, and 19-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas. Gross opened the scoring with a well-taken effort before Kostoulas, who was signed for £30 million last summer, extended the advantage with a powerful strike amidst a high-intensity team press. Brighton made the result safe with a third goal by new signing Chema Andrés, who scored from a corner 12 minutes into the second half.
The victory places Brighton third in the Premier League table, two points behind Arsenal. This outcome was notable for several reasons, including Arsenal conceding three goals in a match for the first time since December 2023 and allowing the division’s top scorers, Brighton, to extend their tally to 16 goals in five games.
Brighton’s achievement has been particularly impressive given they have managed their goalscoring record without several key members of their first-choice attack, many sidelined by injury. Last season’s leading scorer, Danny Welbeck, was sold to Chelsea during the summer transfer window. Georginio Rutter returned as a late substitute but arrived too late to influence the game’s outcome after Gross and Kostoulas had already established a commanding lead.
Arsenal’s performance raised concerns for manager Mikel Arteta. Key defender Jurriën Timber appeared sluggish in his first start since March, while Bruno Guimarães struggled to make an impact on his Premier League debut for the club. The absence of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s dynamism in midfield was also felt, as the player was recently recalled to the England squad.
Ahead of kickoff, Brighton fans celebrated the club’s anniversary by waving blue and white flags while the players donned special edition deep blue shirts inspired by the team’s first season in the Southern League Division Two in 1901. These limited-edition shirts, initially sold in a commemorative package including a letter of authenticity from club owner Tony Bloom and a keyring, stirred some controversy over their £150 price tag. Nonetheless, with the shirts worn only once during this match, those who purchased them may now consider them valuable collector’s items.
Brighton’s relentless pressing starting from the opening whistle unsettled Arsenal, forcing uncharacteristic errors, including a misplaced pass from Guimarães that nearly led to a goal. Goalkeeper David Raya was called into action early to tip a deflected effort from Kostoulas around the post.
The result serves as a significant statement by Brighton, demonstrating their capacity to challenge the top teams in the league, particularly without their usual attacking options. For Arsenal, the result is a reminder that their pursuit of a flawless start remains fragile despite their champion status.