Arteta points finger at Arsenal stars as Gunners thumped by Brighton

Mikel Arteta has slammed his players for 'not doing the basics' in Arsenal's heavy defeat to Brighton. The Gunners endured yet another woeful afternoon on the south coast.

Brighton took the lead through Pascal Gross, with Charalampos Kostoulas doubling the home side's advantage. Brighton made sure of their win in the second half through Chema Andres as Arsenal slipped to their first league defeat of the season.

Speaking after the defeat, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "Brighton deserved to win the game. We didn't do the basics right for long periods, especially in the first half.

"We didn't win enough duels, and any second balls and that stretches you. With the errors that we made and especially with the principles we didn't apply against a team that wants to press you.

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"So that puts us constantly under pressure and didn't get out of that in the way we normally do. So a lot of things to learn and take, but ultimately disappointed."

While Arsenal were vulnerable defensively, they also endured a difficult afternoon in front of goal, having had just one shot on target throughout the afternoon.

Asked why his side weren't able to come up with an answer, Arteta replied: "Two things, one give credit to them [Brighton]. In the manner that they played and committed to every single action. We were below the standards that are required for us but in the Premier League as well.

"When you miss chances like we did it becomes impossible. I want to congratulate Brighton for what they've done. It's a big lesson for us to learn. If I have to describe how the team has played and competed in the last six or seven weeks, has been expectational but today has been a big lesson."

Defeat at Brighton leaves Arsenal in second but they could find themselves already three points behind Manchester City heading into the first international break of the campaign.

The Seagulls, in the meantime, are just one place behind. On his side's victory, Fabian Hurzeler said: "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 duals...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."