Fabian Hurzeler changes Arsenal tune ahead of Premier League reunion

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler believes Arsenal may currently be the best team in England as he prepares his side for Saturday’s Premier League meeting at the Amex Stadium.

Arsenal travel to the south coast looking to extend their perfect start after winning all four league matches and seven games across all competitions this season.

Hurzeler was critical of the Gunners following their 1-0 victory at Brighton last season, questioning their approach despite Bukayo Saka’s goal securing three important points on the way to the title.

However, the Brighton boss insists that disagreement belongs in the past and acknowledged that Arsenal deserved to finish the campaign as champions.

“I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions,” Hurzeler said. “They deserved it.”

“Now it’s a new season. They started very impressive. They are maybe the best team in England with their squad.”

The 33-year-old nevertheless believes Brighton can trouble Arsenal if they reproduce the intensity that has characterised their impressive start.

The Seagulls are the Premier League’s leading scorers with 13 goals after four matches and followed Sunday’s 5-0 victory over Coventry City by recovering from two goals down to beat Manchester United 3-2 in the Carabao Cup.

Hurzeler stressed that defensive stability will be particularly important against Arsenal, despite Brighton’s considerable attacking threat.

He also singled out Christos Tzolis as one player his team will need to contain, having previously watched the Greek winger during his time with Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany.

“I think this will be crucial because he’s a really good one-against-one player,” Hürzeler said.

However, the Brighton boss quickly emphasised that Arsenal’s threat extends far beyond the 24-year-old.

“Arsenal is not only Tzolis. Arsenal has an unbelievable squad, unbelievable depth in the squad, has unbelievable players.”

Hurzeler believes Brighton will consequently need numbers around the ball rather than relying on individual defenders to contain Arsenal’s attacking quality.

His comments set up an intriguing encounter between the division’s most prolific attack and its strongest defence so far this season.

Arteta has also dismissed any lingering tension between the managers, saying he holds no grudge over Hurzeler’s previous comments.

Hurzeler now wants a “special atmosphere” at the Amex as Brighton attempt to become the first team to stop Arsenal’s winning start.

The post Fabian Hurzeler changes Arsenal tune ahead of Premier League reunion first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.