Brighton & Hove Albion

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Ed: Hats off to Huerzeler. He has managed to meld a team containing several new signings and relative newcomers into a formidable force capable of making the champions look very ordinary. Outstanding across the park and from start to finish. The Amex was rocking when we weren't open-mouthed at the intensity, fitness and skill. We trusted the process and were rewarded with one of the most complete team performances I've ever seen.

Martin: A great effort leaving Brighton looking like contenders for Champions League football next year. One of Brighton's finest displays. Certainly going to ruffle some feathers this season if it continues.

James: Exciting times ahead for Brighton. Arguably playing the most attractive football of any team. Fearless football.

Dawid: Another excellent team performance with the goals being shared around and a clean sheet against arguably the best Premier League team. With the international break upon us, we can expect some of our injured players to have recovered. How can the manager possibly replace any of the current team? What an enviable problem for him.

Arsenal fans

Philip: A blip was inevitable at some point. The only thing we did positively was to hold the ball - yet we didn't know what to do with it. We were completely discombobulated against Brighton - offensively and defensively. And Brighton were first class - we were rightly humbled. Now we must learn.

Harry: I've been a fan for over 70 years. Some were good years, some less so. So we lost to Brighton - it's just one game. True fans will get behind the team and lift the lads. They certainly won't play as badly again this season.

Kevin: Poor performance but all credit to Brighton. We seem unable to change tactics. Two of Brighton's goals came from outside the box but Arsenal continue to try to walk the ball over the goalline when we have players who can score from distance.

Vince: Brighton deserved their win but it is by no means the end of the world. We gave them too much space in front of the defence for the first two goals - which would probably not have been there if the more defensive-minded Lewis-Skelly had played instead of Bruno. In hindsight, this wasn't the right game to bed a new midfield combo, First, the previous one won us the first four league games and secondly, Brighton is in a mini hot streak of their own. But let's regroup, make those minor tweaks and come back stronger than ever.

Image source, Getty Images

Reacting to Brighton's 3-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday and the hosts' gameplan, Maxim de Cuyper told BBC Radio Sussex: "Just fight when we don't have the ball and produce quality when we do have the ball.

"That's what we try to do every game [bring intensity]. We don't succeed every game from the start, but if we do that we can make it difficult for a lot of the teams, even last year's champions.

"It was a complete afternoon - stadium full, big opponent, three points at home. Just a perfect afternoon.

"Everyone wants to do at least as much as last season and achieve Europe."

Hit play below to hear more from De Cuyper or listen on BBC Sounds here

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy praises Brighton's "incredible" performance in their 3-0 win over Arsenal, predicting they will cause problems for Premier League teams this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer on BBC Radio 5 Live: It should have been more, the chances Brighton created, they were that good. They absolutely battered Arsenal. How many times have we said that recently? From start to finish today Brighton were magnificent. Every single one of them played their part.

"They were strong, they were fit, they went after Arsenal. They had no fear and it worked brilliantly for them, it should have been six or seven goals.

"Every time they chased down the ball, they got it absolutely spot on. They did it as a team, they didn't do it individually. They thought we respect Arsenal but we're not going to give them any space to play. The organisation was great and that just doesn't happen on its own and you've got to give Fabian Hurzeler credit for that."

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton came into this match as the league's top scorers and did not disappoint with their attacking mindset.

But they worked hard in possession and when battling for the ball to deny Arsenal the space in which they thrive.

Diego Gomez on the wing did an excellent job of keeping Riccardo Calafiori quiet, while Charalampos Kostoulas caused problems for the Gunners backline throughout.

The 19-year-old Greece international deserved his excellent goal, which was his third in successive games, as he looks to show he can step up to be Brighton's main striker following Danny Welbeck's summer departure to Chelsea.

But he was well supported by his team-mates, with Spaniard Chema Andres marking his first league start with a first goal for the club.

And then there was the 35-year-old Pascal Gross, who has rolled back the years with his performances so far.

The German, who rejoined the club in January from Borussia Dortmund, was again the conductor of Brighton's play and now has four goals in his last five games.

Fabian Hurzeler's side are packed with young talent and have a fearless approach that will cause problems and concern for any side - as both Manchester United and Arsenal found out over the past week.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a special win. Not only because we played the best team in England but because of the performance. I am really proud of my team.

"It's always important to enjoy these moments. We were horrible to play against.

"Intensity, intensity, winning the personal duels...we have to have the belief to compete with the best teams in the league. My players really trust each other on the pitch. If one player is out then another can replace him.

"Overall we wanted to be really good in every phase. We needed to be at the highest level. We go game by game. After the international break we have a lot of games. After wins like this we have to stay humble and understand why we had this win. We have to keep on going."

On Pascal Gross: "He enjoys himself on the pitch scoring goals. You can really trust him and he makes the team-mates around him really better."

Listen to Hurzeler speaking to BBC Radio Sussex here

Brighton's Pascal Gross, speaking to MOTD: "I thought we showed great intensity, waited for mistakes and punished Arsenal. It was a strong performance, a very complete performance.

"We won the ball high up and attacked really fast. After the last two wins we are full of confidence and wanted to finish really strong before the international break.

"I feel really good. I can't complain. I just try to help the team when I can. I really enjoy life in Brighton, I'm loving it.

"I know after the international break we play every three days and a lot of the lads are not used to that. It will be tough. I hope we can compete. We have a big squad this season."

Did you know?

• Brighton have now won at home against the reigning Premier League champions in each of the last three seasons, beating Manchester City in 2024-25, Liverpool in 2025-26 and Arsenal today.

• No player has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than Brighton's Gross (six – three goals, three assists), who scored and assisted against Arsenal today.

• Brighton are the highest goalscorers in the Premier League this season, with their 16 goals the most by a side in their first five games since Man City in 2022-23 (19).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brighton's performance

What did you make of Arsenal's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Tottenham v Aston Villa (12:30)

• Brighton v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Ipswich

• Newcastle v Hull City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Nottingham Forest v Coventry (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.

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There might be a bit of an edge to this one after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler had a pop at Arsenal over their time-wasting when they beat the Seagulls near the end of last season.

I love the way Brighton play and I was at Old Trafford to watch their comeback to beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

It doesn't seem to matter who they are missing from their team, Brighton are just bold as brass with the way they press and get men forward.

Luka Vuskovic, who they got from Spurs for £46m in the summer, is only 19 but he strolled through the game against United. What a player he looks.

The issue I have with Brighton in this game, however, is that Arsenal are not Manchester United. They are a cut above that.

Arsenal are the real deal and I don't see any weaknesses in their team, as their impressive win at Sunderland underlined. They are brave going forward, but they are also streetwise defensively and can see out a game when they have to, time-wasting or not.

They have that steel about them but I also think they could expose Brighton if Hurzeler's side go toe-to-toe with them, which is what I am expecting.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match between Brighton and Arsenal (15:00 BST), with the Gunners looking to make it five league wins from five before the international break.

Seagulls not feeding off scraps

Brighton's 5-0 victory at Coventry City equalled their biggest Premier League away win and took their tally to 13 goals from their opening four matches, a club record at this stage of a top-flight season.

The result also made them the league's top scorers after four matchrounds. That is no fluke, with the Seagulls the only team to have accumulated an expected goals total of 10 or more.

But they have also made the most of their chances, scoring almost three goals more than Opta's xG model would predict, helped by long-range strikes from Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari last weekend.

Brighton demonstrated their firepower again in midweek, with 19-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas scoring for the second successive game as they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

Fabian Hurzeler's free-scoring side will, however, face a tougher test against the league's strongest defensive unit. Brighton have not beaten Arsenal at home for six years and lost all three league and cup meetings between the sides last season.

In-form Gunners look to extend winning streak

After a scare at Sunderland, where David Raya's penalty save proved decisive, Arsenal made it seven wins from seven this season by beating Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

Max Dowman scored twice at Portman Road, becoming only the second 16-year-old, after Wayne Rooney, to net a double for a Premier League side.

But Dowman, who has yet to feature in the top flight this season, may have to bide his time for further opportunities given his team's impressive form.

The Gunners are seeking a 10th consecutive league victory, a feat they last achieved in 2002. Another win on Saturday would leave them four short of the club record, set in 1998.

Arsenal have conceded just twice in their previous nine league games and have barely missed a beat this term, despite the absence of key centre-back William Saliba.

They have conceded only once in the league in 2026-27, while their totals for shots faced, shots on target faced and expected goals against are all the lowest in the division.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Summer signing Femi Azeez will not be available until after the international break, confirmed Hurzeler. The coaching staff will "work with him individually" before "integrating him back into the first team". If all goes to plan, he will "definitely be at his highest physical level" after the three-week break.

• Jaouen Hadjam is "able to play" despite picking up a knock, and Luka Vuskovic will "definitely be available" despite suffering with cramp during their midweek Carabao Cup fixture.

• The Brighton boss added: "Although we are missing a few players, we are still a very strong squad. We have a good togetherness on the pitch and we have players who will work a lot."

• On Lewis Dunk potentially making his 300th Premier League start this weekend: "That number is very impressive. He is always drives the high standards, so it is a pleasure to work with him as our captain. It's hard to understand from the outside just how much he wants to give back to Brighton, but his connection with this club is something which drives his whole life."

• Bart Verbruggen could also make his 100th Premier League appearance, which is credit to his "motivation, attitude and character" - despite being just 24 years of age - and goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

• When asked about the goalkeeper's tradition of getting a round of coffees in if he keeps a clean sheet, Hurzeler replied: "Yes, he did it after the Coventry City game. These rituals are very important because then everybody understands there will be a reward for getting a clean sheet. I've never drank coffee before, but since this started it has pushed me to drink it."

• He stands by calling for stricter rules around set-pieces and accusing Arsenal of time-wasting last campaign, but insists it is a new season. He added: "I will always share my opinion if I'm asked a question. I congratulated them for being deserved champions. They have started this season very impressively and they are maybe the best team in England, so it is our challenge to compete with them."

• The Seagulls will need to find "a good balance between keeping the stability and keeping control of the game in possession" this weekend, as the team that has scored the most goals (Brighton) come up against the team that has conceded the least goals (Arsenal). The "most important thing" will be keeping a clean sheet.

• It is "a joy to watch" Pascal Gross' performances at the moment: "I'm very pleased with how he is playing in possession and out of possession. It is nice to see how he is leading on and off the pitch. Hopefully we can bring him into the kind of positions where he can make the most impact."

• Hurzeler's had "no time" to reflect on his side's impressive start, having taken seven points from a possible 12. Instead, his focus is on "reflecting on why we are in the situation and what things gave us this good foundation". In his opinion, the answer to that is: "The hard work, the non-negotiables, the small margins."

Hit play above to hear more from Hurzeler on Verbruggen, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Brighton v Arsenal from 15:00 BST on Saturday

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Image source, Getty Images

Thomas Tuchel has named his squad for England's upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Follow reaction and Tuchel's news conference here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup game between Manchester United and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans

Mark: United were simply all over the place. Slow to the ball, constantly losing possession and not hungry. My brother asked my why some players go to play for United? My answer was why do United go for some players! They simply are not good enough to put on that red shirt. Awful performance no matter what the manager mumbles.

Peter: Majorly disappointing. The signs were there after we scored the second goal. Subs were needed at half-time but didn't happen. Momentum against us now, derby loss, JJ debacle, now this.

Ian: They were all dreadful - no passion, too predictable. The lack of marking for the Brighton second goal was astonishing.

James: An entirely predictable start to the season after such an underwhelming transfer window. This summer was an opportunity to show intent and build on the promise of last season. Instead, whilst our rivals splashed the cash on established quality, we "rebuilt" our midfield with a squad player and two for the future. The decision to ignore the left-back position completely looks more baffling by the day. A very long season ahead.

John: Rubbish, 2-0 up, sat back and let Brighton run the game, a very professional performance from a much better team.

Brighton fans

Sid: For 75 minutes, Brighton were by far the better team and could have won by a couple more. Another masterclass from coach Fabian Hurzeler and a superb performance from Pascal Gross. He just seems to get better and better with age.

Yorkshire Seagull: After a slow start, a brilliant performance. United couldn't handle the high press. Gross was supreme and marshalled his team, and Jason Steele demonstrated why he is so valuable to us and respected by the fans.

Bob: Usual chaotic start for us, which is a bit worrying as it is happening too often. We gave the ball away too easily but stuck with our gameplan and started to challenge every ball and win. Pascal was brilliant and inspired the rest of the team, who responded with a terrific performance.

Matthew: Some more sloppy mistakes playing out early on were punished, but from then on we dominated and were deserved winners with standout performances from Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas. Hurzeler's team selection and subs were outstanding.

Brian: Took too long to warm up but when they did they never looked as if they were beaten and deserved the win. What a comeback!

Image source, PA Media

Former Premier League midfielder Jobi McAnuff believes a combination of Brighton's "phenomenal work" off the field and Fabian Hurzeler's "amazing work" on it have helped to quell any doubts about how the club would fare this season.

The Seagulls have taken seven points from their opening four Premier League games, while also coming from two goals down against Manchester United to reach the Carabao Cup last 16.

"I watched them beat Aston Villa 4-0 [on the opening day of the season] and they were absolutely magnificent," McAnuff told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "They are just a really good team to watch at the moment.

"There were big question marks coming into this season after losing Danny Welbeck, who obviously chipped in with a big portion of their goals last season, this summer.

"We were all wondering where those goals were going to come from, but everybody is starting to step up.

"Charalampos Kostoulas is a prime example of that. He really did struggle last season with only a couple of goals, but he has been allowed time and he has already got three goals this season.

"Malick Yalcouye went on loan to Swansea City last season but he has now been brought back into the environment. Yasin Ayari is another player who benefitted from loan time away previously.

"All of Brighton's phenomenal work off the pitch is obviously being massively supported by head coach Fabian Hurzeler's amazing work on the pitch.

"There is just a real synergy throughout the whole football club."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds

Brighton, Arsenal and Aston Villa are all monitoring 17-year-old Austrian midfielder Luca Weinhandl, who could be available from Sturm Graz for around £17m. (CaughtOffside, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, spoke to Sky Sports after his side's Carabao Cup victory: "I think we started the game really well. We conceded two easy goals and then we kept and stuck to our plan. That was a positive thing. Of course, you're 2-0 down, you can go in one direction and say the game is done and not stick to the plan anymore, or you can believe. You have to believe in your teammates. You have to believe in yourself.

"The longer the game went, the better we were and in the end I think we won in a deserved way.

"I didn't think we started that bad. Of course we conceded goals and the goals changed the momentum but overall we had the right structure. We had good patterns. I think the bad thing at the beginning was we were quite nervous. We made a lot of technical mistakes and then afterwards the players grew into the game.

"In the end, we completely controlled the game and we had plenty of chances to score another goal."

Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross, spoke to Sky Sports about conceding two goals early on: "It was frustrating because it's not the first time this season, it's the third time this season where we started slow. We have to improve that because we always have to climb a mountain but today we did that.

"We played here before, last season, a similar match that we won and that gives you belief in a stadium where you've won before. The experience we try to give it to the lads. It was a really good performance and I have to say [Jason] Steeley's save at the end was unbelievable."

Hear more from Gross above or on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the Carabao Cup fourth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn.

• Fleetwood Town v Arsenal

• Manchester City/Norwich v Brighton

• Everton v Newcastle

• Sunderland v Brentford

• Liverpool v Chelsea

• Bradford v Peterborough

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa

The matches will be played in the week commencing 26 October.