Brighton eye Arsenal's title race as Gross and Osman weigh in

Brighton moved into second place in the Premier League after a 2-0 win over Brentford at the Amex Stadium on Sunday. It was their sixth victory in seven league matches, and it lifted them above Manchester City, who had lost 3-1 at Nottingham Forest the previous day. Brighton now sit five points behind leaders Arsenal as the season heads into the November international break.

Gross plays down the title talk

Despite their position, Brighton's influential midfielder Pascal Gross was cautious about the idea of a title push. "No, we are not in a title race," the 35-year-old told Sky Sports after the game. "But we have started the season really well. It's the beginning of the season." He added that the margins in the Premier League are small and that the team were not getting carried away yet, adding that every game required a lot of effort.

Gross has been central to the club's start. He rejoined Brighton from Borussia Dortmund in January, having left the club in 2024, and has spent seven and a half years at the Amex across two spells. He has created eight big chances in the league this season, more than any other player, and against Brentford he scored and created at least five chances for team-mates.

Strong numbers across the squad

The figures back up Brighton's form. They have created the second-highest number of big chances in the division (37) and have scored more goals (26) than any other side this season. At the other end, only Arsenal have been more impressive defensively. Brighton have kept joint-highest clean sheets (seven) and have conceded the second-fewest goals (five).

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman told BBC Sport that Champions League qualification was probably the minimum Brighton could expect at their current level. He described the football as outstanding, though he was less convinced they could win the league, saying he would find it unexpected if they did.

There was also a boost from Yankuba Minteh, who made his first Premier League appearance of the season against Brentford. The Gambia forward has been one of Brighton's most dangerous attacking players since joining from Newcastle United in 2024. Kaoru Mitoma, who has been sidelined since May with a hamstring complaint, is also expected to return to fitness soon.

Arsenal and City uncertainty

Arsenal have won nine of their opening 10 league games, and their only defeat came at Brighton, where they lost 3-0 in September. Manchester City, meanwhile, have lost three successive league matches. They were found guilty of breaching 114 Premier League financial rules earlier this year, a verdict the club is appealing and which it denies vehemently. Should the appeal fail, City could face a significant points deduction or, in the most extreme case, expulsion from the league.

Liverpool and Chelsea, who sit fourth and fifth and are the only two sides to have beaten Brighton in the league this season, appear to be in transitional campaigns. Osman said Brighton were now reaching a stage where they could keep their best players, adding that the club should make the most of this ability for their own success rather than for the financial gain of selling players on for large profits.