Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has reaffirmed his criticism of Arsenal's approach, stating the champions 'make their own rules' ahead of their Premier League meeting this weekend. The German's comments refer back to a 1-0 defeat in March, a view he says he still holds despite acknowledging Arsenal's impressive start to the new campaign.
Hurzeler first made his feelings known after Brighton's narrow loss at the Emirates Stadium last season. "If they win the Premier League, no one will ask how they win the Premier League," he said. "You can really feel that they do everything now to win and, in the end, it’s about the rules." He suggested the limits on time-wasting and physicality were not being enforced, allowing Arsenal to dictate the terms of engagement.
Ahead of the rematch at the Amex Stadium, Hurzeler confirmed his opinion has not changed. "Last season was last season. Opinions are important and I will always share my opinion if I am asked," he stated. He was quick to add praise for Mikel Arteta's current side, who sit top of the table with a perfect record of four wins from four. "I congratulated Arsenal for being deserved champions. It's a new season. They started very impressively. It is our challenge to compete with them."
The Arsenal manager opted to take the high road when asked about Hurzeler's remarks. "That’s all done, that’s all in the past," Arteta told reporters. "I have huge respect for Fabian, what he’s done and what Brighton have done as a club, it’s just remarkable." His focus is squarely on maintaining Arsenal's 100% start, which has yielded 12 points and an eight-goal haul with just one conceded.
Arsenal travel to the south coast in formidable form, having won their last five matches in all competitions. Their most recent victory was a 4-2 win at Ipswich, where Max Dowman scored twice. They face a Brighton side currently positioned sixth in the early table. The Gunners will be without several key defenders, with William Saliba, Ben White and Piero Hincapié all currently sidelined. A win for Arsenal could see them cement their place at the summit heading into the season's first international break. The full schedule leading up to that break is available on our fixtures list.
More detail at Daily Mirror Football
