Brighton and Brentford Hold Top-Four Spots Through International Break

Arsenal and Chelsea took heavy defeats as Brighton and Brentford head into the international break inside the Premier League's top four.

Arsenal's unbeaten aura took a hit over the weekend when Brighton handed them a heavy defeat. Brentford also made a statement, thrashing Chelsea to climb into fourth place in the Premier League table.

Both Brighton and Brentford will occupy top-four positions for the duration of the three-week international pause. Bournemouth, meanwhile, pushed Liverpool close in a narrow loss and continues to adjust under a new manager.

Brighton's strong form stretches back several years. The club has averaged an eighth-place finish across the past four seasons, a notable achievement for a smaller side located away from England's major cities.

This season the Seagulls have been prolific in front of goal, scoring three times against Chelsea and Manchester United, four against Tromso and Aston Villa, and five against Coventry.

The pathway to Champions League qualification appears more open than ever for the Premier League's smaller clubs, even with Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa expected to recover from slow starts.