Mikel Arteta accuses Arsenal stars of ‘disrespect’ after brutal Brighton beating | Football

Mikel Arteta accused his Arsenal players of disrespecting the ‘principles of play’ in their heavy defeat to Brighton.

The Gunners’ 100 per cent start to the new Premier League season came to an abrupt halt on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-0 at the AMEX Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side has conceded just one goal in their previous four league games but were outclassed by the Seagulls, who followed up on their 3-2 win over Manchester United midweek with another rampant display.

Pascal Gross fired the hosts into the lead on the half hour mark with Charalampos Kostoulas beating David Raya with a fine effort from the edge of the box to double their lead.

Arsenal were undone on a set piece in the second-half with Chema Andres heading home Gross’ cross. The champions could have conceded more with signs of frustration eminent late on with Declan Rice appearing to kick out at Malick Yalcouye on the final whistle.

Arteta pulled no punches in his post-match verdict, telling reporters: ‘[I am] extremely disappointed. But first of all, we have to congratulate Brighton; they deserved it.

‘They were the better team, and from our side, there were certain basics in football that you need to accomplish in football, especially in the Premier League that we didn’t.

‘In the first duel. Winning the first ball, especially with how direct they were. They put us in a really difficult place.

‘In our own half, the amount of technical errors. We didn’t respect any principle of play that you have to get out of that man to man situation and that put us on the back foot so it was very difficult to control the game.

‘We had moments of dominance and control, and we opened them up; we didn’t take those chances with the quality that is required. It’s a big lesson for us.’

Manchester City now have the chance to head into the international break clear at the top of the Premier League if they beat or draw with Sunderland on Sunday.

Arsenal return to action against Leeds United following the extended international break.

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