Guimaraes and Konsa admit Brighton thrashing 'not acceptable' for Arsenal champions

Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa delivered a blunt verdict on Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton’s Amex Stadium on Saturday, with both summer signings agreeing the performance was unacceptable for a side aiming to retain the Premier League title.

Guimaraes, making his first Premier League start for the Gunners following his £75 million move from Newcastle, was candid about the scale of the shortfall. “We were not good enough, so far off our level this time,” the Brazilian midfielder said. “We were too sloppy with the ball; we didn’t win any duels. We cannot accept this while wearing this shirt of a champion.”

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton were clinical, with Pascal Gross and Charalampos Kostoulas both finding the net in the first half. Guimaraes acknowledged Arsenal gave the hosts too much room. “We gave them too much time on the ball, we know the quality that they have. They were two amazing shots to be fair but we can do better and we have to do better.”

Manager Mikel Arteta reportedly sensed trouble as early as the game’s first throw-in, and the result ended Arsenal’s winning run in the league. Guimaraes, who had scored in a 2-0 win at Sunderland earlier in the season, was keen not to let the setback overshadow an otherwise encouraging start to life in north London. “Today was a bad day at the office for everyone. I think I’m quite good in terms of adaptation with the club, I’m getting there.”

He also issued a direct apology to supporters. “We have to say sorry to the fans because it wasn’t good enough.”

Defender Konsa echoed those sentiments, stating the display did not meet the high standards the club demands of itself. Arsenal must now wait three weeks before they can respond, with their next fixture a home match against Leeds.

The international break gives Arteta’s squad time to regroup, but Guimaraes was clear about the expectation upon their return. “When we come back, we have to ensure this does not happen again.”