Brighton dismantle Arsenal to climb into Premier League top 3

The Seagulls kept their run at home going reaching four matches with three wins and one draw. At the time Arsenal’s nine-game winning streak in the league. Which had started last season. Came to a sudden and decisive end.

Match highlight

Brighton started the game with belief and purpose. Ferdi Kadioglu made an impact by scoring inside the first three minutes. That early goal put Arsenal under pressure from the start amplified by the loud and intense atmosphere at the Amex Stadium.

Charalampos Kostoulas was a threat for Brighton. Not long after the opening goal he tested David Raya with a shot from just outside the penalty area. Raya reacted quickly. Made a fine save. 

Arsenal did have moments of their own. Bruno Guimaraes tried his luck from an angle and sent the ball into the side netting.. Overall they couldn’t find the rhythm or control that you’d expect from the reigning champions.

Brighton doubled their lead after the half-hour mark. Pascal Gross curled an effort from outside the box. The ball flew past Raya. Nestled into the far corner. It was Gross’s third league goal of the season.

Arsenal had a chance to get back into the game before halftime. Bukayo Saka broke forward on a counterattack. Went one-on-one with the keeper. His shot went straight at Bart Verbruggen. 

The Brighton goalkeeper then sparked a transition. He launched the ball forward. Kostoulas found space unmarked. He struck a long-range shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 before the break.

Pascal Gross delivered an inswinging cross. Chema Andres rose above the defenders. Headed the ball powerfully into the net. It was the goal of his career for Brighton.

Arsenal looked off balance and out of sync. Pascal Struijk nearly pulled one back with a header from another Brighton corner. It went just wide. The Gunners kept pushing for a consolation goal. 

Riccardo Calafiori missed a close-range opportunity. Then substitute Viktor Gyokeres created a chance for Kai Havertz but Verbruggen made a brilliant stop with his feet.

Later in the game Raya denied Matt O’Riley with a world-class save preventing a goal.. Brighton had already made their point. This result was a statement. They’ve now won three home games against the reigning Premier League champions. Meanwhile Arsenal stay in place, behind Manchester City based on goal difference.