Brighton manager Fabian Hürzler has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal’s tactics this season, which were on full display during Wednesday’s Premier League clash between the two sides.
Arsenal won 1-0 thanks to a ninth-minute goal from Bukayo Saka, but, as has become typical for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta, they resorted to a defensive approach and blatant time-wasting, particularly in the second half.
The German Hürzler criticized this style of play, saying after the match, “I was impressed with my team’s effort and the way they played football. I think the only team that tried to play football today was the one that gave their all, and that’s why I’m proud of their performance.”
He continued, “Have you ever seen a goalkeeper go down three times in a Premier League match? No? So I think we shouldn’t waste too much time talking about it tonight.”
He added, “I think the Premier League needs to find the right rules, and that’s not my job.”
“There are different kinds of winning, so if they win the Premier League, no one will ask how they won it. I think you can really feel that they’re giving it their all right now to win the title, and ultimately it’s about the rules,” he added.
Arteta responded to Horzler’s comments with a touch of irony, saying, “Surprise, he’s not the first to say that!”
He continued, “I love my players. That’s the most important thing. And I love the way we compete.”
