Brighton beat Brentford to move second as Gross rejects title talk

Brighton moved into second place in the Premier League after beating Brentford 2-0 on November 8, but midfielder Pascal Gross said the club was not in a title race. The result left Brighton with 22 points from 10 matches, five behind leaders Arsenal, as the league paused for the international break.

Diego Gomez opened the scoring in the 15th minute, striking a half-volley into the top corner after Brentford failed to clear a cross. Gross doubled Brighton’s lead from the penalty spot before half-time, after Keane Lewis-Potter brought down Luka Vuskovic at a corner.

Brentford played with 10 men from the 23rd minute. Referee Michael Oliver sent off striker Igor Thiago after a video assistant referee review of an off-the-ball incident involving Chema Andres. Thiago had initially been shown a yellow card.

Gross, whose penalty secured the final score, said Brighton had started the season well but should not get carried away. He pointed to the demands of each match and the narrow margins in the Premier League, while saying the team was pleased to reach the break in second place.

Brighton’s position follows a strong start under manager Fabian Hürzeler, who said supporters were entitled to...