Fabian Hurzeler has no regrets over past Arsenal comments as Mikel Arteta feud renewed
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler stands by his past comments regarding Arsenal’s tactical approach and perceived time wasting from last season.
Hurzeler’s frustrations boiled over in March during a 1-0 win for the Gunners, as he said there was “only one team who tried to play football” in a game which David Raya three times went down injured.
The German said at the time: “If they win the Premier League, no one will ask how they win the Premier League. You can really feel that they do everything now to win and, in the end, it’s about the rules. So if the Premier League, if the referee, allows everything, then it’s difficult. Then, they make their own rules.
“At the moment, I have the feeling they are doing their own rules, no matter how they are playing. I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way. Of course, every team will manage and waste time but there has to be a limit and the limit has to be set by the Premier League. The limit has to be set by the referees. At the moment, they just do what they want.”
As Brighton prepare to welcome Arsenal to the south coast on Saturday, Hurzeler was asked about his remarks from March.
"Last season was last season,” he said. “Opinions are important and I will always share my opinion if I am asked.
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"But I congratulated Arsenal for being deserved champions.
"It's a new season. They started very impressively. It is our challenge to compete with them."
Brighton have also started the season impressively, having scored 13 goals in four games and, most recently, came from two goals down to knock Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.
Arsenal are preparing for their fourth away game in a row, and scrapped past Sunderland last time out in the Premier League thanks to Raya saving an Enzo Le Fee’s penalty in a 2-0 win.
And Hurzeler has warned the Gunners that the Amex Stadium “will be loud” for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off, as Brighton plot a famous scalp.