In brief
Brighton marked their 125th anniversary on 19 September 2026 by defeating reigning league champions Arsenal 3-0 at home.
19-year-old forward Babis Kostoulas assisted Pascal Gross in the 31st minute and scored in first-half stoppage time before Chema Andres scored in the 57th minute.
Mikel Arteta's team conceded three goals for the first time since May 2023, remaining on 12 points while Brighton reached 10 points in third place.
- 57th minuteChema Andres heads in a Pascal Gross corner to extend the lead to 3-0
- 73rd minuteChristos Tzolis is substituted off for Arsenal
- 76th minuteBabis Kostoulas is substituted off for Georginio Rutter
Kostoulas drives three-goal victory over Arsenal
Brighton & Hove Albion defeated reigning Premier League champions Arsenal 3-0 on Saturday, marking the club's 125th anniversary with a clean sheet at home. Greek forward Babis Kostoulas played a central role throughout the contest, providing an assist and scoring a goal before halftime. Kostoulas created danger early in the 7th minute when goalkeeper David Raya saved his initial attempt. The hosts opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Kostoulas passed to Pascal Gross, whose long strike hit the post before crossing the line. In first-half stoppage time, Kostoulas took possession outside the penalty area, found space against defender Gabriel, and scored with a shot into the right corner.
Second half execution and defensive control
Brighton maintained pressure after the break and added a third goal in the 57th minute. Kostoulas won a corner kick on the left wing, which Gross delivered into the box for Chema Andres to head past Raya. Arsenal failed to generate sustained offensive momentum despite controlling possession during the opening ten minutes of the match. Their best chance arrived late in the first half when Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard set up Bukayo Saka, but the winger missed the target from close range. Kostoulas was substituted in the 76th minute for Georginio Rutter to applause from the home supporters.
Arsenal record and Premier League standings
The result handed Arsenal their first defeat of the season across all competitions under manager Mikel Arteta. It was the first time Arsenal conceded more than two goals in a fixture since facing Manchester United in North London the previous season. The match also marked Arsenal's first three-goal margin defeat since May 2023, when they were also beaten by Brighton. The win elevated Brighton to third place in the Premier League table with 10 points and 16 goals scored, giving them the most productive attack in the league. Arsenal remained on 12 points, level with Manchester City ahead of their match against Sunderland on 20 September 2026.
- Arsenal
- 12 pts
- Manchester City
- 12 pts
- Brighton
- 10 pts
Data from the article text
Greek player performances across Matchday 5
Kostoulas finished the match with 38 completed passes, five touches in the opposition penalty area, two ball recoveries, and one big chance created. The 19-year-old former Olympiacos striker had previously scored against Coventry City and against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. Arsenal started fellow Greek international Christos Tzolis, who played 73 minutes before being substituted. Elsewhere on Saturday, Newcastle United defeated Hull City 2-1 at St James' Park, with Joe Willock and Lewis Hall scoring in the first ten minutes. Hull goalkeeper Konstantis Tzolakis saved a first-half stoppage time penalty from Yoane Wissa, stopping a streak of 24 consecutive converted penalties at the stadium before Cho pulled one back in the 67th minute. Everton also secured a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium.