Brighton & Hove Albion clearly wanted to establish themselves early in their Saturday match against defending EPL champion Arsenal. To be sure, Arsenal was also at the top of the table entering the match, tied with Manchester City, of course. The London squad didn't gain points, though, as Brighton pecked them impressively, 3-0.
A lot of the season remains, obviously, but Arsenal and City aren't expected to lose much. Any loss, even early in the season, could have a massive impact on who takes the title. Plus, what is better than going into the international break knowing one is in the driver's seat of the league?
That is now Man City, at least until Sunday, when the Blues host Sunderland, a team capable of giving Enzo Maresca's side issues. Brighton not only dominated Arsenal, but the squad looked good enough to challenge for the title themselves.
Brighton & Hove Albion defeating Arsenal is a good way to start the weekend for Manchester City fans
The first two-thirds of the match was an onslaught. Arsenal had no answer for Brighton's constant attack, shockingly conceding the first two goals scored against them in the first half from outside the box. The first time Arsenal had allowed that to happen since 2012.
Too often, they were leaving space for Brighton's brilliant forwards to do just about anything they wanted. Pascal Gross, at 35 years old having the kind of season he might if he had never proven he belonged in the English Premier League; he's been a force so far, scoring the first on a quick turn.
The second goal was scored by Charalampos Kostoulas, who had so much space that he could have dribbled for a few seconds before aiming for goal. It was either astonishing defensive breakdowns by Arsenal or pure offensive greatness by Brighton. Whatever the reason, it was Brighton and Man City that should have been celebrating.
At least for now. With Mikel Arteta's squad dropping points and holding 12 in five games, City could move three clear with a win against Sunderland. Brighton is at least temporarily third with 10 points, but a game ahead of several other teams straining to get inside the top four. Brentford has nine, but also through five games.
Interestingly enough, Hull City has eight points through five games (assuming they lose to Newcastle, whom they were trailing at the time of this writing), so their success might imply that the early table is meaningless. By the end of the season, Hull should be nowhere near the top.
Still, with just one match left before the break and assuming (hoping) for a Manchester City victory, until early October, City fans will rest well, knowing their team will be first on the table. (Not to jinx Sunday or anything, of course.)
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