Brighton player ratings vs Arsenal: Club legend scores a perfect 10 as superb Seagulls thrash Premier League champions

Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andres found the net, as Fabian Hurzeler’s in-form side produced a magnificent performance to beat the Gunners 3-0.

There were wonderful scenes before kick-off as thousands of blue and white flags were waved around the stadium, while Albion’s players emerged wearing a special kit inspired by the colours worn by the club in 1901.

The celebrations continued once the action began, with Brighton immediately unsettling Arsenal through their intensity and high press.

The Seagulls won the majority of the early challenges and forced the visitors onto the back foot, although Ferdi Kadioglu’s ambitious attempt from distance sailed over David Raya’s crossbar.

Brighton made their impressive start count in the 31st minute following a patient passing move.

Kostoulas turned and played the ball into the feet of Gross, who found space before sending a right-footed shot beyond Raya and in off the left-hand post.

The hosts doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Arsenal had threatened through Bukayo Saka at one end, but Brighton quickly countered and Kostoulas unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards which flew beyond Raya.

It continued a remarkable run for the teenager, who has now scored three goals in three matches after seizing the opportunity created by Danny Welbeck’s departure.

The increasingly stretched nature of the contest played into Brighton’s hands.

Any hopes of an Arsenal comeback were dealt a decisive blow in the 57th minute.

Gross delivered the ball into the area and Andres, making his first Premier League start, was left unmarked to head home at the back post.

It was a straightforward goal to concede by Arsenal’s usually formidable defensive standards and sent the Amex crowd into dreamland.

The home supporters celebrated by asking the champions: “Are you Tottenham in disguise?”

Arsenal eventually created a guilt-edged opportunity when a simple ball over the top released Kai Havertz, but Bart Verbruggen made an excellent save with his boot to preserve Brighton’s clean sheet.

Albion should have made it 4-0 as the game approached injury-time but substitute Matt O’Riley failed to convert from close range. It didn’t matter, in the grand scheme of things, as the Seagulls continued their incredible start to the season with one of the club’s most famous victories.

It was fitting that 31,944 fans were here to see it – an Amex Stadium record.

Albion were also the last team to beat Arsenal 3-0 before this contest, having secured a memorable victory by the same scoreline at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023.

This latest triumph provided a fitting conclusion to Brighton’s anniversary celebrations and another clear demonstration of the progress being made under Hurzeler.

Here are our Albion player ratings:

Bart Verbruggen – 8: Made a straightforward save from Bukayo Saka shortly before half-time but was largely untroubled by the champions. Produced a brilliant stop with his boot to deny Kai Havertz after 77 minutes – the first meaningful bit of goalkeeping he had been required to do.

Ferdi Kadioglu – 8: Fired over after Arsenal could only half-clear during Brighton’s fast start. His cutback created a chance for Yasin Ayari and he also went down inside the penalty area, although his appeal was waved away. An energetic display before receiving a deserved standing ovation.

Pascal Struijk – 8: An extremely impressive first league start for Albion as he deputised for captain Lewis Dunk, who was absent with a stiff neck. The former Leeds United defender looked assured until he appeared to suffer a hamstring injury. Hopefully it is nothing serious.

Luka Vuskovic – 8: Another defensive masterclass from the teenager. What were Tottenham thinking? Read the danger superbly and repeatedly dealt with Arsenal’s attacking threat. Showed excellent awareness to reach the ball ahead of the threatening Christos Tzolis.

Olivier Boscagli – 8: A top performance at the heart of Brighton’s defence. Composed in possession and rarely troubled without it. It is no surprise that he is reportedly being considered by Zinedine Zidane for the France squad.

Yasin Ayari – 8: Ran the show in midfield. Albion must tie him down to a new contract if they can. Had a couple of opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet and did not stop running throughout an outstanding display.

Pascal Gross – 10: Clearly not satisfied with his week’s work after running the show at Old Trafford. Produced a finish of the highest quality to put Brighton ahead against the champions and then delivered the perfectly placed corner for Chema Andres to score. The German is in superb form, with three goals in three games – and four in his past five appearances. One of the most underrated players in Premier League history, in my opinion.

Chema Andres – 9: Marked his first Premier League start with his first goal for the club. Rose highest to power home a towering header from Groß’s corner and was excellent throughout an unforgettable afternoon.

Diego Gomez – 8: Claimed a simple assist for Kostoulas’ spectacular strike and kept the ball moving nicely throughout the afternoon. Helped Brighton control the midfield against a below-par Arsenal side.

Maxim De Cuyper – 8: Flashed an inviting delivery across goal to create an opportunity for Ayari. Sent in one unusually poor cross but otherwise barely put a foot wrong during another assured performance.

Charalampos Kostoulas – 9: The teenager has arrived. Tested Raya from a tight angle during Brighton’s fast start before scoring a magnificent long-range goal to double the lead. That makes it three goals in three games for the Greek striker. He was booked and fired another ambitious effort over, while he could perhaps have done better after getting goal-side of his marker after the break. Nevertheless, this was another hugely exciting performance which earned him a deserved standing ovation.

Substitutes:

Georginio Rutter – 7: Went straight into the action with a sublime piece of skill to beat two opponents, although he then surrendered possession. Was not far away from making it 4-0 with an attempted volley and produced a lovely dummy to create O’Riley’s chance.

Costinha – 7: Replaced Kadioglu and helped Brighton see out a famous victory. Brought fresh energy on the right as Arsenal searched unsuccessfully for a route back into the contest.

Matt O’Riley – 6: Was presented with a huge opportunity to make it 4-0 following Rutter’s clever dummy and Yalcouye’s pass. It really should have been a goal.

Malick Yalcouye – 7: Made a lively contribution from the bench and would have had an assist to his name had O’Riley converted a glorious opportunity.

Michael Svoboda – N/A: Introduced late as Brighton comfortably completed the job against the champions.