Arteta fires back at Hurzeler following rules attack before and after Arsenal’s win over Brighton
Brighton manager Fabian Huzeler had plenty to say before and after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over at the Amex Stadium, but Mikel Arteta had the last word.
Fabian Huzeler was sure to add plenty of fuel to the fire before the midweek match at Amex Stadium as Brighton hosted Arsenal on Wednesday night. After losing to the league leaders, Huzeler was still fuming but Mikel Arteta was the one who had the last word.
Huzeler spotlights Raya for time wasting
It was another bleak performance from the top team in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Arsenal escaped with a win on the south coast thanks to a Bukayo Sako goal in the 9th minute which was enough to give the Gunners an advantage that they would hold on to for the rest of the night. Three points are three points, but there is plenty of chatter about the style in which they play and in the case of the Brighton boss, the way they win.
Before the match, Huzeler let the world know what he thought about the “gamesmanship” Arsenal use while protecting a lead and during their set pieces. After the match he had another go at Arteta´s squad. “At the moment I have the feeling they are doing their own rules no matter how they are playing, so that’s why I think it’s difficult to judge that. Overall, like I said, I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way,” said an enraged Huzeler.
He continued his rant, signaling out keeper David Raya, who Huzeler accused of blatant time wasting. “Did you see in a Premier League game a goalkeeper going down three times in a game? We need to find a way to find solutions against these kind of teams and that’s our responsibility so we have to keep working,” stated the 33 year-old manager.
Gunners advantage growing
Arteta seemed less than impressed with the complaints of the losing manager, claiming that it’s not the first time he’s heard these kind statements from Huzeler, “What a surprise! No. You just go back to the previous games and you’ll find a lot of comments like this always from him.” He followed that up with an outpouring of adoration for his players, and then ended the presser with a sprinkle of sarcasm. “I think they love our players. Every time they talk about our players,” said Arteta.
"I think they love our players. Every time they talk about our players!"
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 5, 2026
Mikel Arteta hit back following criticism from Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler. pic.twitter.com/FB8k0Zxw6m
The Gunners haven’t lost in the league since their 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates back in late January, but the way they are winning isn’t convincing everyone. Despite that, they are seven points clear of their closest contenders Manchester City who dropped points against Nottingham Forest in the Etihad on Wednesday night.
After finishing runners-up in in the Premier League the last three years, Arteta´s men are the pole setters at the moment with a seven point cushion with eight matches to go. They have played one more match than City, so there is that to take into account but with both Manchester clubs dropping points Arsenal can breathe a little easier as they set their sights on Mansfield and the FA Cup fifth round match this weekend.
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