Arteta Defends Arsenal Tactics After Brighton Coach Hurzeler’s Complaints

‎Mikel Arteta hit back at criticism from Fabian Hurzeler after Arsenal edged closer to the title with a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.

‎Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal early in the first half, his deflected effort securing Arsenal’s third consecutive win in the Premier League.

‎The Gunners are seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by lowly Nottingham Forest.

‎Mikel Arteta currently holds a firm grip on the title race as Arsenal pursue their first English league crown since 2004, following three straight runner-up finishes.

‎However, even if Arsenal go on to lift the trophy, their achievement is unlikely to be viewed in the same light as the legendary side assembled by Arsène Wenger 22 years ago.

‎In contrast to the eye-catching style of the ‘Invincibles’, there is little to love about Arteta’s prosaic team, who have thrived thanks to their set-piece excellence and a supremely well-drilled defence.

‎Criticism of Arsenal’s ‘ugly’ tactics is growing, and Hurzeler was the latest to join the chorus, accusing the Gunners of time-wasting and faking injuries.

‎Brighton coach, Fabian Hurzeler, expressed frustration with Arsenal for repeatedly delaying the restart of play during free-kicks. Goalkeeper David Raya went down injured three times and needed treatment.

‎The incidents led to speculation that he was stalling to give Mikel Arteta time to discuss tactics with his players.

‎”I think there was only one team that tried to play football today. Did you see in a Premier League game a goalkeeper going down that many times? No?” Hurzeler said.

‎”They (Arsenal) make their own rules. At the moment I have the feeling they are making their own rules.

‎”I will never be the kind of manager who tries to win in that way.

‎”If I ask everyone in the room, did he really enjoy this game? I’m sure maybe one raises his arm because he’s a big Arsenal fan.

‎”Where will this go in the future? Is this what the supporters are paying for?”

‎Yet Arteta was unrepentant about Arsenal’s game plan, insisting his players deserved praise for grinding out another vital victory.

‎”What a surprise,” he said when informed of Hurzeler’s claims. “If you go back through previous games you will find a lot of comments like this, always.

‎”I love my players. That’s the highlight. I love my players and I love the way we compete.

‎”When you’re in the position we are in, obviously the opposition wants to take that away from you. That’s normal, that is sport.”

‎Arsenal aren’t earning many style points, but Arteta doesn’t care as they remain in contention for the quadruple.

‎Alongside leading the Premier League table, Arsenal F.C. is preparing for a busy schedule across multiple competitions. The Gunners will face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 and take on Manchester City F.C. in the EFL Cup final.

‎They will also travel to play Mansfield Town F.C. in the FA Cup fifth round.

‎Asked whether he cared what other managers thought of him, Arteta replied, “No comment.”