Mikel Arteta did not hold back in his criticism after Arsenal suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. The loss marked the champions' heaviest Premier League defeat in three years and ended their perfect start to the season.

Arteta expressed disappointment, stating his players failed to “respect the game.” He highlighted key issues in Arsenal's performance:

• Brighton's pressing overwhelmed Arsenal, leading to a lack of control.
• Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas, and Chema Andres scored, exposing Arsenal's defensive frailties.
• Arteta noted that his team struggled in physical battles and were technically poor with the ball.

They were another gear from us in the basics of the game,

He acknowledged the need for his players to learn from this defeat, stressing the importance of quick decision-making and maintaining composure under pressure. Arteta urged for perspective, reminding everyone of the team's achievements over the past weeks despite this setback.

Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, celebrated the victory, calling it a "special" performance. He praised his team for their intensity and teamwork, emphasizing that they executed the basics effectively. With this win, Brighton climbed to third place in the league, demonstrating their impressive form early in the season.

This defeat not only serves as a wake-up call for Arsenal but also reinforces the competitive nature of the Premier League, where even champions can be outmatched.