Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta accused his players of failing to "respect the game" after their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium, ending their winning start to the season. Goals from Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas, and Chema Andres handed the champions their heaviest league loss in three years.

Arteta criticized his side's physical and technical shortcomings, stating Brighton were "another gear" in duels, second balls, and pressing. He highlighted Arsenal's sloppiness in possession, particularly in their own half against Brighton's man-to-man press, which prevented them from controlling the game. The Gunners also missed big chances. Arteta called it a "big lesson" and noted the intensity was evident "from the first throw-in."

The loss snapped an eight-game Premier League winning streak. Despite the harsh critique, Arteta urged perspective ahead of the international break, praising the team's "remarkable" competition and results over the previous six to seven weeks since returning from the World Cup with 18 players. Sky Sports' Nick Wright analysis confirmed Arsenal were outfought, unable to match Brighton's incredible pressing intensity in either half.