Troy Deeney has launched a sharp critique of Arsenal’s midfield and attacking display after their 3-0 defeat at Brighton, singling out summer signing Bruno Guimarães as the player who “should have been hooked at half-time.”

Speaking on talkSPORT’s GameDay Live, Deeney said Guimarães was “really, really poor” and that there was “no way” he should have remained on the pitch after the interval. The Brazilian, who cost £75 million from Newcastle, was eventually replaced by Mikel Merino in the 59th minute, having struggled to impose himself in a midfield that was repeatedly bypassed by Brighton’s transitions.

Deeney did not stop at Guimarães. He also described Bukayo Saka’s performance as “terrible,” arguing that if Arsenal are to sustain the level of pressure and expectation that comes with being defending champions, their star winger must deliver more consistently. Saka was substituted in the final 10 minutes, with 16-year-old Max Dowman coming on as Arteta sought to change the dynamic of the attack.

Brighton’s goals came from Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andrés, each exposing gaps in Arsenal’s defensive structure and midfield cover. Deeney said the Gunners lacked control, intensity and the usual clarity in possession, and that the midfield pairing failed to protect the back four or dictate tempo against a well-organised, high-pressing Brighton side.

The result ended Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season and dropped them to second on goal difference behind Manchester City. For Deeney, the defeat highlighted how quickly margins can shift in a title race and placed immediate pressure on Guimarães and other high-profile signings to show they can cope when the team is under sustained pressure.