Express Sport hands out player ratings after the afternoon kick-off.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal FC - Premier League 2026/27
Arsenal were handed a reality check on the south coast (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal were handed a brutal reality check on the south coast, with Brighton running the Premier League champions ragged. The 3-0 defeat is Arsenal's first of any kind this season, but it's a result that has exposed some unwanted cracks in their squad.
After a sluggish start, it was the home side that capitalised first, with Pascal Gross continuing his impressive run of goalscoring form by rattling home from range. The Seagulls responded better to taking the lead, and aside from a Bukayo Saka half-chance, Arsenal were toothless. Brighton took advantage of this and added a second before the break, this time Charalampos Kostoulas with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area.
It's not that Arsenal were poor in the first half, but Brighton were just that much better. And it continued into the second, with Chema Andres netting for his new club from a corner. In truth, it was Brighton who ought to have scored the game's fourth goal, with Raya making a solid save to deny Matt O'Riley late on.
Here, Express Sport hand out player ratings following a chastening afternoon for Arsenal...
Are we sure it wasn't an imposter between the sticks? Granted, the Spaniard couldn't have done much for the first two, but he was feeble for the third and unusually shaky with his passing. Played the ball straight to a Brighton player on more than one occasion.
A welcome sight back in the starting XI, but looked off the pace for most of the match. Can be given the benefit of the doubt given how long he's been away.
While they were great strikes, the two Arsenal centre-backs were a bit standoffish and took too long to engage. Didn't cover himself in much glory for the third either.
Started well but looked like a rabbit in the headlights when Brighton upped the ante.
A bit suspect for the goals, but did offer a genuine threat going down the opposite end.
Hooked and stinker. Was all over the place - and not in a good way - during an afternoon to forget on the south coast. Was taken off immediately after the third Brighton goal.
Will know he's been in a match by the end of tonight. Gave as good as he got, but had to settle for second best. Marked down for a petulant outburst that really should've seen him sent off. Incredibly lucky not to be banned for three matches.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal FC - Premier League 2026/27
Mikel Arteta found his team in an unfamiliar position (Image: Getty)
It was like stepping back in time to last season, when the midfielder was struggling to impact matches. He was overrun by the Brighton midfielders, who looked a class above the Arsenal skipper. Subbed with the visitors chasing the game.
Had a golden chance to open the scoring just before Brighton took the lead, but his effort was weak. Played a few nice passes, yet faded when Arsenal needed him most. Hooked late on.
Fluffed a 1v1 at a point when Arsenal would've had enough time to mount a comeback. Clumsy with his passes and another who had an uncharacteristic off day.
Perhaps the first sign that Arsenal's unwillingness to do more business in attack has cost them? The Greek ace has started the season so well, but he looked lost for ideas against a hungry Brighton side.
Plugged the gap in midfield, but didn't do much else.
Not great.
Barely got a touch and didn't turn the tide in Arsenal's favour.
Arsenal might as well have been playing with 10 men after he came on.
The only Arsenal player who can leave with their head held high. Direct and threatening. Subbed on too late.