Brighton stun champions Arsenal on 125th anniversary
Brighton beat Premier League champions Arsenal to hand them their first defeat of the season on the club's 125th anniversary.
The Seagulls scored three times to stop Arsenal's winning run at seven matches. The result left Brighton in third place, two points behind Arsenal, as reported by The Guardian.
Veteran stand-in captain Pascal Gross started the party. He took a pass from Charalampos Kostoulas and fired in from the edge of the area off the inside of the post.
Kostoulas got the second himself before half-time. The 19-year-old, who signed for Brighton last summer for £30m, struck from 25 yards past goalkeeper David Raya. New signing Chema Andres added the third 12 minutes into the second half from a corner, a set-piece delivered into the penalty area.
It was the first time Arsenal had conceded three goals in a match in all competitions since December 2023. The defeat also ended their bid for an eighth straight win to start the season, something the club have not done since 1903 when they were known as Woolwich Arsenal.
Brighton now have 16 goals in five games. That makes them the division's top scorers.
The hosts marked the day in deep blue limited-edition shirts. The design was inspired by their first season in Southern League Division Two in 1901. The anniversary package was originally listed at £150, including a letter of authenticity from owner Tony Bloom and a keyring.
There was a changing look to both sides. Bruno Guimarães made his first Premier League start for Arsenal. Jurrien Timber made his first start since March. Myles Lewis-Skelly had been recalled to the England squad in the same week.
Brighton were without last year's top scorer Danny Welbeck, sold to Chelsea in the summer. Georginio Rutter gave the home crowd another lift when he returned as a late substitute.
The clubs know each other well. Brighton won 3-0 at Arsenal's home ground in May 2023, before Arsenal won 2-0 at home in December 2023 and 3-0 at Brighton in April 2024, according to Reuters. There was extra edge this time after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler had accused Arsenal of wasting time at corners after a previous meeting.
What makes this stand out is the timing. Brighton lost their main goalscorer in the summer and blooded young players. Against the champions, on a day built for memories, they scored freely and held firm. For fans, this means a birthday party that will be talked about for years. The Premier League billed it simply as Brighton handing Arsenal their first defeat.
