Brighton & Hove Albion secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Arsenal at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, prompting lively celebrations among Brighton supporters who taunted the visiting team with chants questioning their status as reigning champions.

The home side took control early, with Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas both scoring from long range to establish a 2-0 lead by halftime. In the second half, Chema Andres added a header in the 57th minute to extend Brighton’s advantage. Following the final whistle, Brighton fans directed a series of disparaging songs at Arsenal and their traveling supporters.

The defeat for Mikel Arteta’s team offers Manchester City the chance to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League by three points, as they prepare to face Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Brighton’s trio of goals on Saturday brings their total for the season to 16, a figure that stands out as double Arsenal’s current goal tally and six goals more than any other club in the league, with Chelsea and Brentford both recording 10. This goal-scoring form is notable given Brighton recently sold striker Danny Welbeck to Chelsea.

Brighton’s convincing performance underlines their offensive strength early in the campaign, while Arsenal will face pressure to respond after a humbling defeat against a side currently perceived as underdogs in the league standings.