Arsenal’s bid to retain the Premier League crown hit a setback on Saturday when Brighton secured a 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium. After four straight wins, the Gunners were unable to find their rhythm, conceding a third‑minute corner that led to the final goal.
Brighton capitalises on Arsenal’s errors
Pascual Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas opened the scoring in the first half with long‑range efforts, while Chema Andrés completed the win with a header from Gross’ corner. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler praised his side, noting that “only one team tried to play football” after Arsenal’s narrow defeat at his ground last season.
Arsenal have historically struggled against Brighton; the Seagulls were the last team to hand the Gunners a heavy loss in any competition, beating them 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023.
Brighton’s strong week continues
The win adds to a brilliant week for Brighton, who earlier beat Coventry 5-0 in the league and rallied from two goals down to defeat Manchester United 3-2 away in the English League Cup.
Manchester City, the other club that won its first four games, can now extend its lead to three points by taking on Sunderland on Sunday.
Tottenham’s big‑ticket spending yet to pay off
Fresh from a $400 million summer investment, Tottenham remain winless in five league matches after a 3-2 home loss to Aston Villa. Villa’s 20‑year‑old attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi, a World Cup‑experienced Swiss player, started and scored the opening goal in first‑half stoppage time. He also set up fellow new signing Nicolas Jackson, while Emi Buendía’s long‑range strike in the 79th minute sealed Villa’s first league win of the campaign.
Tottenham managed late consolation goals from Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke – their first league goals of the season – but the defeat marks their second loss and third defeat overall under Roberto De Zerbi, who also saw his side exit the English League Cup this week.
After back‑to‑back 17th‑place finishes, Tottenham’s ownership embarked on a major squad rebuild, signaling confidence in De Zerbi. So far, results have not reflected that optimism, and the Italian coach faces growing pressure as the league heads into a long international break.
Adding to Tottenham’s woes, World Cup‑winning Spain right back Pedro Porro was forced off in the first half with an injury.
Other Premier League action
Fast starts helped Newcastle and Everton secure wins over promoted sides. Newcastle scored twice within the first seven minutes – through Lewis Hall and Joe Willock – to claim a 2-1 victory over previously unbeaten Hull. Everton’s Thierno Barry netted an 11th‑minute goal to beat Ipswich 1-0.
Later, Nottingham Forest hosted Coventry.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
