Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season on Saturday, falling 3-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The loss marked the defending champions’ first setback after an impressive run of seven consecutive victories in all competitions.

Brighton dominated the match from the outset, breaking down Arsenal’s usually resilient defense with long-range goals from Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas before halftime. Shortly after the interval, Chema Andres extended the lead with a header from a corner, handing Arsenal their first loss by more than two goals in over three years.

Following the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged Brighton’s superiority and described the result as “a big lesson” for his squad. “They were the better team,” Arteta said, highlighting that Arsenal fell short of fundamental standards required in the Premier League. He also emphasized the strong start Arsenal had made prior to the defeat, noting the team’s remarkable form after returning from the World Cup with 18 players back in the squad.

“This is a big lesson for all of us to understand what it takes to win at this level,” Arteta added, framing the loss as a timely reminder amid a forthcoming three-week international break.

Elsewhere in north London, Tottenham Hotspur endured another disappointing afternoon, remaining in the Premier League’s relegation zone following a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa. After failing to score in their previous four matches, Spurs finally found the net through Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke, but those goals proved insufficient to overturn a 3-0 deficit. Villa took an early lead through Johan Manzambi, with Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia adding further goals. Villa’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also made several crucial saves.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi reflected on the loss, admitting the team was “too fragile” despite a strong first-half performance.

In other Premier League action, Hull City’s young Australian midfielder Lucas Herrington made his first league start in a 2-1 away defeat to Newcastle United. Newcastle struck early with goals from Joe Willock and Lewis Hall inside the opening seven minutes. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis notably saved a penalty from Yoane Wissa before halftime, while Mohamed-Ali Cho scored a late consolation for the visitors.

Coventry City secured a milestone victory with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, their first Premier League win in 25 years, thanks to Jay Dasilva’s decisive goal. Meanwhile, Everton climbed to fifth place by extending their unbeaten run with a narrow 1-0 victory against 10-man Ipswich Town.