Brighton’s impressive start to the Premier League season continued in emphatic fashion as Fabian Hurzeler’s side ended Arsenal’s perfect run with a commanding 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal had arrived at Brighton aiming for an eighth consecutive win, a result that would have extended their best start to a season in 123 years.
However, the hosts produced a dominant performance to hand Mikel Arteta’s side their first dropped points of the campaign and move up to third place in the Premier League table.
Brighton took control from the opening minutes, pressing Arsenal aggressively and giving the visitors little time or space to settle into the game.
Pascal Gross opened the scoring with a long-range effort before Charalampos Kostoulas doubled Brighton’s advantage shortly before half-time.
Kostoulas’ goal came just seconds after Bukayo Saka had seen his close-range effort brilliantly saved by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The second goal was a major blow for Arsenal, who had struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the first half.
Brighton continued where they left off after the break and added a third goal nine minutes into the second half.
Chema Andres rose at the far post to head in Gross’ corner for his first Brighton goal, taking advantage of poor marking in the Arsenal defence.
The Seagulls could have extended their lead further, with David Raya forced into action to deny Matt O’Riley and Malick Yalcouye striking the woodwork from the rebound.
Pascal Struijk also came close to adding a fourth but headed wide from another Brighton corner.
The victory lifts Brighton to third place, just two points behind Arsenal, while the Gunners’ remarkable winning run has come to an abrupt end.
The defeat also means Arsenal will have to wait for another opportunity to match the club’s best-ever start to a season.