The Seagulls set an aggressive tempo from the outset. Early pressure saw Ferdi Kadıoğlu strike just over the crossbar before Charalampos Kostoulas forced a full-stretch save from David Raya. Arsenal responded through speculative efforts from Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka, but Brighton’s disciplined backline contained the visitors’ threats.

Brighton broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark when Pascal Groß collected a pass from Kostoulas outside the penalty area and curled a right-footed shot off the inside of the post into the net. On the stroke of half-time, Arsenal missed a prime opportunity to level as Saka’s effort was saved by Bart Verbruggen. Verbruggen immediately launched a fast counter-attack, allowing Kostoulas to drive forward and double Brighton’s advantage with a strike from 25 yards out.

Any hopes of an Arsenal second-half comeback were put to rest in the 57th minute. Pascal Groß registered his 51st Premier League assist by whipping an inswinging corner to the back post, where Chema Andrés rose above his marker to score a header.

Mikel Arteta brought on Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze to spark life into the Gunners’ attack. Gyökeres released Kai Havertz through on goal, but Verbruggen denied the German international one-on-one to preserve his clean sheet. Late in the game, Raya produced a world-class save to prevent Matt O’Riley from adding a fourth for the hosts.

The victory elevates Brighton to third place in the Premier League table heading into the international break. For Arsenal, the defeat brings their nine-game league winning streak to a halt, leaving them behind league leaders Manchester City on goal difference.