Arsenal defeat at Brighton is a big lesson - Mikel Arteta

An uncharacteristic performance from Arsenal saw them ship three goals at Brighton - but boss Mikel Arteta believes their first Premier League defeat this season could prove a "big lesson".

An impressive seven-match winning start to this campaign in all competitions - nine in successive league games dating back to April - backed up that belief.

Arteta, whose side did not lose by more than a single goal in the top flight last term, acknowledged the Seagulls "deserved" the success and there were lessons the Gunners needed to take heading into the international break.

Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has made a point of reiterating how much he values physicality and the demands he puts on his side to win duels.

Arteta said he was "extremely disappointed" as his side were "very far" from doing the basics he expected, with uncertainty in defence, a loss of midfield control and lack of attacking creativity.

"There are a lot of moments when the ball is 50-50 and it changes hands and most of the time it was for them.

He was quick to remind the media in his news conference after the game that it was still a good start to the season.

"That's not going to take away what the team has done and the boys have done in the last six or seven weeks since coming back from the World Cup," added Arteta.

Arsenal lost their first game of the Premier League season against Brighton

Brighton are currently the Premier League's top scorers with 16 goals - hitting eight of them in the past week - and could have had more against an Arsenal side who pride themselves on keeping clean sheets.

"It should have been more, the chances Brighton created, they were that good," said former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"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."