Arsenal's unbeaten, clean-sheet record came crashing down in spectacular fashion as Brighton & Hove Albion dismantled the Premier League leaders 3-0 at the Amex Stadium, handing the Gunners their heaviest defeat of the campaign so far.

Pascal Gross opened the scoring before Charalampos Kostoulas doubled Brighton's advantage — both goals arriving inside the first half to leave Arsenal stunned at the break.

Summer arrival Chema Andrés then put the result beyond any doubt, converting from a corner on his full home debut to make it a thoroughly dominant afternoon for the hosts.

A defensive collapse that stood out

The margin of defeat was made all the more striking by context: Arsenal had been one of the most miserly defences in the division coming into the fixture. The three goals conceded against Brighton matched the total they had let in across all of their previous league matches combined this season.

It was a humbling afternoon for a side that had looked near-impenetrable — and a significant statement from Brighton, who outclassed the title-holders from first whistle to last.

The defeat strips Arsenal of their 100 percent record and hands their title rivals a reminder that the Gunners are not yet the finished article. Whether manager Mikel Arteta's side can respond will be one of the defining questions of the weeks ahead.