ARSENAL SUFFER FIRST EPL DEFEAT AS BRIGHTON WIN 3-0 TO END CHAMPIONS’ PERFECT START

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season came to an abrupt end on Saturday as Brighton & Hove Albion defeated the defending champions 3-0 at the Amex Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side had won their opening four league matches and all seven of their competitive fixtures this season before Brighton produced a dominant display to hand the Gunners their first defeat of the campaign.

Pascal Gross opened the scoring in the 31st minute, finding the net with a strike from the edge of the box to give the hosts the lead.

Brighton doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Charalampos Kostoulas scored with another long-range effort, leaving Arsenal 2-0 down at the break.

The Seagulls continued to control proceedings after the restart and extended their lead in the 57th minute through Chema Andrés, who headed home to make it 3-0.

Arsenal struggled to mount a comeback as Brighton remained in control and created the clearer opportunities for the remainder of the match.

The defeat was a major setback for the defending champions following their impressive start to the campaign. Arsenal had defeated Manchester United, Leeds United, Chelsea and Sunderland in their first four league games, while also recording wins over Napoli in the Champions League and Ipswich Town in the League Cup.

Brighton, meanwhile, continued their strong run under Fabian Hürzeler. The Seagulls had previously thrashed Coventry City 5-0 in the Premier League before defeating Manchester United 3-2 in the League Cup.

The result also ended Arsenal’s winning run against Brighton at the Amex, where the Gunners had secured a 1-0 victory in March.

Arsenal will now look to regroup after the international break, having suffered their first league defeat of the season after five matches.