Brighton and Hove Albion moved up to second in the Premier League on Sunday, beating 10-man Brentford 2-0 at the Amex Stadium to continue their best-ever start to a top-flight season.

Diego Gomez opened the scoring with a superb strike in the 15th minute, and Pascal Gross added a penalty just before half-time as Fabian Hurzeler's side moved above Manchester City and to within five points of leaders Arsenal.

It was a seventh win from 10 league games for Brighton, who head into the international break on 22 points, with Arsenal on 27.

Gomez strikes again

Gomez seized on a clearance at the edge of the area and struck a superb left-footed shot on the turn into the top corner, giving Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher no chance.

It was another spectacular goal from the Paraguayan midfielder, who had scored from the halfway line against Crystal Palace earlier in the season, and it set the tone for a comfortable afternoon for the home side.

Thiago sees red as Brentford unravel

The game turned decisively in the 23rd minute, when Brentford striker Igor Thiago was shown a straight red card for violent conduct. Thiago had initially been booked for his reaction after being pulled and shoved by Chema Andres, but referee Michael Oliver upgraded the punishment after being sent to the pitchside monitor.

Brighton made the extra man count before the break. Gross dispatched a penalty high into the net in the 42nd minute after Keane Lewis-Potter was penalised for holding Luka Vuskovic in the area. It was Gross's fifth goal of the campaign.

Brentford, who had lost only once in the league all season before Sunday, were left chasing the game for more than an hour with 10 men and never seriously threatened a comeback.

Gross plays down title talk

Despite the win, Gross was quick to dismiss any talk of a title challenge, keeping his feet firmly on the ground after the match.

Brighton are second in the table more on merit than by accident. No team has scored more than their 26 goals in the top flight this season, and only Arsenal have conceded fewer. Their best previous finish was sixth, achieved in 2022-23, and they are also competing in the UEFA Conference League this season after finishing eighth last term.

Brentford stay eighth on 14 points after a second league defeat of the season. Brighton resume their campaign away at Hull City on 22 November, while Brentford host Everton the following day.