Alan Shearer reveals key reason why Arsenal were 'absolutely battered' by Brighton

Gunners were thrashed by superb Seagulls

Alan Shearer said that Arsenal were “absolutely battered” by Brighton in their 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium.

The champions were brought back down to earth with an almighty bump on Saturday, surrendering their perfect start to their Premier League title defence.

The Seagulls were electric on the Sussex coast, deservedly taking all three points from a one-sided affair that the Gunners just never got going in.

Pascal Gross opened the scoring before Charalampos Kostoulas’ effort from range arrowed into the corner for 2-0.

Chema Andres opened his account for his new club, nodding home from a corner to wrap up the victory.

Heavily beaten: Arsenal

PA

Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer, believed that the home side could have scored more goals against a side renowned for their resolute defending.

“It should have been more, the chances Brighton created, they were that good,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“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.”

The former Newcastle and Blackburn striker zeroed in on how Fabian Hurzeler’s side bettered the north Londoners on the day, focusing on one particular aspect.

Overrun: Declan Rice

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“Every time they chased down the ball, they got it absolutely spot on,” he continued.

“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. You've got to give Hurzeler credit for that.”