Fabian Hurzeler's side suffered a 4-3 defeat by Chelsea in August but they have otherwise started the 2026-27 campaign in "magnificent" style, as stated by former Premier League players Jobi McAnuff and Alan Shearer.
"Champions of England, they said. We have absolutely dismantled Arsenal at home, easy as you like," said Mirzadeh, who provides video reaction and analysis as part of BBC Sport's Fan Collective.
"I might be jumping the gun a little bit here, but I just feel like something special is brewing at the club.
"We have exciting young players, who are absolutely fearless going into any game. We have an exciting manager, who has got the number of some top managers so far. We have Tony Bloom at the top, who is an absolute expert at what he does.
"It could be a really special season - you never know what could happen."
As much as Hurzeler recognised the "special win" over Arsenal, the head coach urged his players to "stay humble" going into the three-week international break.
What do you think the Seagulls could realistically achieve this season?
🎧 A perfect celebrationpublished at 16:35 BST 21 September
16:35 BST 21 September
On the latest Albion Unlimited podcast, BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor is joined by ex-Brighton players Guy Butters and Warren Aspinall as they review the Seagulls' emphatic 3-0 win over Arsenal.
Plus, hear an interview with Albion midfielder Chema Andres.
Listen by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up
'Relentless' Brighton 'good enough to get into the top five'published at 14:39 BST 21 September
14:39 BST 21 September
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison says he has "never seen" a team smother Arsenal like Brighton did on Saturday.
The Seagulls dismantled the Gunners 3-0 to inflict the first defeat of the season on the reigning league champions.
Fabian Hurzeler's side are the top flight's leading scorers so far with 16 goals - six more than the next highest in Brentford and Chelsea.
"I think they are good enough to get into the top five this season," Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"They are relentless. The tempo, the way they close down - I've never seen Arsenal like that. It could have been more.
"They were creating more chances. [David] Raya didn't have his best afternoon but he made a few very good saves as well. Conceding from set-pieces is very unusual for Arsenal, usually they are the ones that are the threat.
"I thought Brighton's tempo and style of play was fantastic. They did it without three of their most important players in Jack Hinshelwood, Karou Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh. They are still winning matches.
"Brighton's recruitment is outstanding. They bring in players you have never heard of and make them into gems and sell them on. They are fantastic in what they do."
Brighton suffocated Arsenal - and there is much more to comepublished at 11:20 BST 21 September
11:20 BST 21 September
Chris Wise BBC Final Score reporter at The Amex Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
I've not seen any team suffocate Arsenal in the way Brighton did on Saturday.
They forced them into uncharacteristic errors, they physically outmatched them, and, perhaps most impressively, they just kept attacking them - even when they had a three-goal lead.
By the end, Arsenal looked so weary. They'd been ground down by Brighton so much that they had nothing left.
What has gone under the radar a bit with the Seagulls is the sheer number of injuries they're contending with at the moment. The latest absentee at the weekend was Lewis Dunk. That's a lot of experience to lose when you're preparing to face the champions.
However, there's a couple of 19-year-old's who have been playing beyond their years.
Luka Vuskovic looked classy again at the back, and clearly has the traits of a ball-playing centre-back, which suits this Brighton team well. Given Spurs' predicament, I'm questioning why he was allowed to leave.
The other impressive teenager is Charalampos Kostoulas. He's a real handful, and made life exceptionally tough for what is usually a rock solid Arsenal defence.
There's more to come from him, and - if this weekend is anything to go - there is much more to come from Brighton too.
Ed: Hats off to Huerzeler. He has managed to meld a team containing several new signings and relative newcomers into a formidable force capable of making the champions look very ordinary. Outstanding across the park and from start to finish. The Amex was rocking when we weren't open-mouthed at the intensity, fitness and skill. We trusted the process and were rewarded with one of the most complete team performances I've ever seen.
Martin: A great effort leaving Brighton looking like contenders for Champions League football next year. One of Brighton's finest displays. Certainly going to ruffle some feathers this season if it continues.
James: Exciting times ahead for Brighton. Arguably playing the most attractive football of any team. Fearless football.
Dawid: Another excellent team performance with the goals being shared around and a clean sheet against arguably the best Premier League team. With the international break upon us, we can expect some of our injured players to have recovered. How can the manager possibly replace any of the current team? What an enviable problem for him.
Arsenal fans
Philip: A blip was inevitable at some point. The only thing we did positively was to hold the ball - yet we didn't know what to do with it. We were completely discombobulated against Brighton - offensively and defensively. And Brighton were first class - we were rightly humbled. Now we must learn.
Harry: I've been a fan for over 70 years. Some were good years, some less so. So we lost to Brighton - it's just one game. True fans will get behind the team and lift the lads. They certainly won't play as badly again this season.
Kevin: Poor performance but all credit to Brighton. We seem unable to change tactics. Two of Brighton's goals came from outside the box but Arsenal continue to try to walk the ball over the goalline when we have players who can score from distance.
Vince: Brighton deserved their win but it is by no means the end of the world. We gave them too much space in front of the defence for the first two goals - which would probably not have been there if the more defensive-minded Lewis-Skelly had played instead of Bruno. In hindsight, this wasn't the right game to bed a new midfield combo, First, the previous one won us the first four league games and secondly, Brighton is in a mini hot streak of their own. But let's regroup, make those minor tweaks and come back stronger than ever.
'A perfect afternoon' - De Cuyper on Brighton's 'fight'published at 08:02 BST 21 September
08:02 BST 21 September
Image source, Getty Images
Reacting to Brighton's 3-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday and the hosts' gameplan, Maxim de Cuyper told BBC Radio Sussex: "Just fight when we don't have the ball and produce quality when we do have the ball.
"That's what we try to do every game [bring intensity]. We don't succeed every game from the start, but if we do that we can make it difficult for a lot of the teams, even last year's champions.
"It was a complete afternoon - stadium full, big opponent, three points at home. Just a perfect afternoon.
"Everyone wants to do at least as much as last season and achieve Europe."
'Brave' Brighton put in 'complete' performance - Murphypublished at 11:12 BST 20 September
11:12 BST 20 September
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Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy praises Brighton's "incredible" performance in their 3-0 win over Arsenal, predicting they will cause problems for Premier League teams this season.
'Brighton absolutely battered Arsenal'published at 19:08 BST 19 September
19:08 BST 19 September
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer on BBC Radio 5 Live: It should have been more, the chances Brighton created, they were that good. 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.
"Every time they chased down the ball, they got it absolutely spot on. 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 and you've got to give Fabian Hurzeler credit for that."
Analysis: Fearless Seagulls rewarded for attacking approachpublished at 18:03 BST 19 September
18:03 BST 19 September
Alex Howell Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton came into this match as the league's top scorers and did not disappoint with their attacking mindset.
But they worked hard in possession and when battling for the ball to deny Arsenal the space in which they thrive.
Diego Gomez on the wing did an excellent job of keeping Riccardo Calafiori quiet, while Charalampos Kostoulas caused problems for the Gunners backline throughout.
The 19-year-old Greece international deserved his excellent goal, which was his third in successive games, as he looks to show he can step up to be Brighton's main striker following Danny Welbeck's summer departure to Chelsea.
But he was well supported by his team-mates, with Spaniard Chema Andres marking his first league start with a first goal for the club.
And then there was the 35-year-old Pascal Gross, who has rolled back the years with his performances so far.
The German, who rejoined the club in January from Borussia Dortmund, was again the conductor of Brighton's play and now has four goals in his last five games.
Fabian Hurzeler's side are packed with young talent and have a fearless approach that will cause problems and concern for any side - as both Manchester United and Arsenal found out over the past week.
Brighton 3-0 Arsenal: What Hurzeler and Gross saidpublished at 17:36 BST 19 September
17:36 BST 19 September
Media caption,
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "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 duels...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."
On Pascal Gross: "He enjoys himself on the pitch scoring goals. You can really trust him and he makes the team-mates around him really better."
Brighton's Pascal Gross, speaking to MOTD: "I thought we showed great intensity, waited for mistakes and punished Arsenal. It was a strong performance, a very complete performance.
"We won the ball high up and attacked really fast. After the last two wins we are full of confidence and wanted to finish really strong before the international break.
"I feel really good. I can't complain. I just try to help the team when I can. I really enjoy life in Brighton, I'm loving it.
"I know after the international break we play every three days and a lot of the lads are not used to that. It will be tough. I hope we can compete. We have a big squad this season."
Did you know?
Brighton have now won at home against the reigning Premier League champions in each of the last three seasons, beating Manchester City in 2024-25, Liverpool in 2025-26 and Arsenal today.
No player has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than Brighton's Gross (six – three goals, three assists), who scored and assisted against Arsenal today.
Brighton are the highest goalscorers in the Premier League this season, with their 16 goals the most by a side in their first five games since Man City in 2022-23 (19).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Arsenal published at 11:05 BST 19 September
11:05 BST 19 September
There might be a bit of an edge to this one after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler had a pop at Arsenal over their time-wasting when they beat the Seagulls near the end of last season.
I love the way Brighton play and I was at Old Trafford to watch their comeback to beat Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
It doesn't seem to matter who they are missing from their team, Brighton are just bold as brass with the way they press and get men forward.
Luka Vuskovic, who they got from Spurs for £46m in the summer, is only 19 but he strolled through the game against United. What a player he looks.
The issue I have with Brighton in this game, however, is that Arsenal are not Manchester United. They are a cut above that.
Arsenal are the real deal and I don't see any weaknesses in their team, as their impressive win at Sunderland underlined. They are brave going forward, but they are also streetwise defensively and can see out a game when they have to, time-wasting or not.
They have that steel about them but I also think they could expose Brighton if Hurzeler's side go toe-to-toe with them, which is what I am expecting.
Brighton v Arsenal: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:45 BST 18 September
19:45 BST 18 September
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match between Brighton and Arsenal (15:00 BST), with the Gunners looking to make it five league wins from five before the international break.
Seagulls not feeding off scraps
Brighton's 5-0 victory at Coventry City equalled their biggest Premier League away win and took their tally to 13 goals from their opening four matches, a club record at this stage of a top-flight season.
The result also made them the league's top scorers after four matchrounds. That is no fluke, with the Seagulls the only team to have accumulated an expected goals total of 10 or more.
But they have also made the most of their chances, scoring almost three goals more than Opta's xG model would predict, helped by long-range strikes from Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari last weekend.
Brighton demonstrated their firepower again in midweek, with 19-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas scoring for the second successive game as they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Fabian Hurzeler's free-scoring side will, however, face a tougher test against the league's strongest defensive unit. Brighton have not beaten Arsenal at home for six years and lost all three league and cup meetings between the sides last season.
In-form Gunners look to extend winning streak
After a scare at Sunderland, where David Raya's penalty save proved decisive, Arsenal made it seven wins from seven this season by beating Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Max Dowman scored twice at Portman Road, becoming only the second 16-year-old, after Wayne Rooney, to net a double for a Premier League side.
But Dowman, who has yet to feature in the top flight this season, may have to bide his time for further opportunities given his team's impressive form.
The Gunners are seeking a 10th consecutive league victory, a feat they last achieved in 2002. Another win on Saturday would leave them four short of the club record, set in 1998.
Arsenal have conceded just twice in their previous nine league games and have barely missed a beat this term, despite the absence of key centre-back William Saliba.
They have conceded only once in the league in 2026-27, while their totals for shots faced, shots on target faced and expected goals against are all the lowest in the division.
Hurzeler on injuries, Verbruggen's coffees and Arsenal criticismspublished at 11:45 BST 18 September
11:45 BST 18 September
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Summer signing Femi Azeez will not be available until after the international break, confirmed Hurzeler. The coaching staff will "work with him individually" before "integrating him back into the first team". If all goes to plan, he will "definitely be at his highest physical level" after the three-week break.
Jaouen Hadjam is "able to play" despite picking up a knock, and Luka Vuskovic will "definitely be available" despite suffering with cramp during their midweek Carabao Cup fixture.
The Brighton boss added: "Although we are missing a few players, we are still a very strong squad. We have a good togetherness on the pitch and we have players who will work a lot."
On Lewis Dunk potentially making his 300th Premier League start this weekend: "That number is very impressive. He is always drives the high standards, so it is a pleasure to work with him as our captain. It's hard to understand from the outside just how much he wants to give back to Brighton, but his connection with this club is something which drives his whole life."
Bart Verbruggen could also make his 100th Premier League appearance, which is credit to his "motivation, attitude and character" - despite being just 24 years of age - and goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar.
When asked about the goalkeeper's tradition of getting a round of coffees in if he keeps a clean sheet, Hurzeler replied: "Yes, he did it after the Coventry City game. These rituals are very important because then everybody understands there will be a reward for getting a clean sheet. I've never drank coffee before, but since this started it has pushed me to drink it."
He stands by calling for stricter rules around set-pieces and accusing Arsenal of time-wasting last campaign, but insists it is a new season. He added: "I will always share my opinion if I'm asked a question. I congratulated them for being deserved champions. They have started this season very impressively and they are maybe the best team in England, so it is our challenge to compete with them."
The Seagulls will need to find "a good balance between keeping the stability and keeping control of the game in possession" this weekend, as the team that has scored the most goals (Brighton) come up against the team that has conceded the least goals (Arsenal). The "most important thing" will be keeping a clean sheet.
It is "a joy to watch" Pascal Gross' performances at the moment: "I'm very pleased with how he is playing in possession and out of possession. It is nice to see how he is leading on and off the pitch. Hopefully we can bring him into the kind of positions where he can make the most impact."
Hurzeler's had "no time" to reflect on his side's impressive start, having taken seven points from a possible 12. Instead, his focus is on "reflecting on why we are in the situation and what things gave us this good foundation". In his opinion, the answer to that is: "The hard work, the non-negotiables, the small margins."
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
Mark: United were simply all over the place. Slow to the ball, constantly losing possession and not hungry. My brother asked my why some players go to play for United? My answer was why do United go for some players! They simply are not good enough to put on that red shirt. Awful performance no matter what the manager mumbles.
Peter: Majorly disappointing. The signs were there after we scored the second goal. Subs were needed at half-time but didn't happen. Momentum against us now, derby loss, JJ debacle, now this.
Ian: They were all dreadful - no passion, too predictable. The lack of marking for the Brighton second goal was astonishing.
James: An entirely predictable start to the season after such an underwhelming transfer window. This summer was an opportunity to show intent and build on the promise of last season. Instead, whilst our rivals splashed the cash on established quality, we "rebuilt" our midfield with a squad player and two for the future. The decision to ignore the left-back position completely looks more baffling by the day. A very long season ahead.
John: Rubbish, 2-0 up, sat back and let Brighton run the game, a very professional performance from a much better team.
Brighton fans
Sid: For 75 minutes, Brighton were by far the better team and could have won by a couple more. Another masterclass from coach Fabian Hurzeler and a superb performance from Pascal Gross. He just seems to get better and better with age.
Yorkshire Seagull: After a slow start, a brilliant performance. United couldn't handle the high press. Gross was supreme and marshalled his team, and Jason Steele demonstrated why he is so valuable to us and respected by the fans.
Bob: Usual chaotic start for us, which is a bit worrying as it is happening too often. We gave the ball away too easily but stuck with our gameplan and started to challenge every ball and win. Pascal was brilliant and inspired the rest of the team, who responded with a terrific performance.
Matthew: Some more sloppy mistakes playing out early on were punished, but from then on we dominated and were deserved winners with standout performances from Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas. Hurzeler's team selection and subs were outstanding.
Brian: Took too long to warm up but when they did they never looked as if they were beaten and deserved the win. What a comeback!