Hurzeler stands by 'own rules' Arsenal jab ahead of Brighton's clash with league leaders

Fabian Hurzeler has doubled down on his criticism of Arsenal, insisting his view that the Gunners ‘make their own rules’ still stands as Brighton prepare to host the unbeaten league leaders at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

The Brighton manager first made the remarks after a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal in March, accusing the Gunners of time-wasting and benefiting from lenient officiating. “If the Premier League, if the referee, allows everything, then it’s difficult,” Hurzeler said at the time. “At the moment, they just do what they want.”

Asked whether he regretted those comments ahead of this weekend’s fixture, the German held firm while acknowledging Arsenal’s title-winning credentials. “Last season was last season. Opinions are important and I will always share my opinion if I am asked,” he said. “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.”

Arsenal head into the match with a perfect record in the early Premier League season, and a win at Brighton would keep that run intact while potentially sending Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the table ahead of the first international break of the campaign.

Arteta, for his part, was keen to move on from the controversy. “That’s all done, that’s all in the past,” the Arsenal manager said. “I have huge respect for Fabian, what he’s done and what Brighton have done as a club — it’s just remarkable. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I’m sure.”

Brighton arrive at the fixture in strong form of their own, sitting fifth in the early standings and presenting a stern test for Arsenal’s unbeaten start. The match sets up as one of the more intriguing Premier League fixtures of the weekend, with a pointed backstory adding an extra edge to proceedings.