Fabian Hurzeler accuses Arsenal of “making their own rules” after fractious defeat

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler delivered a scathing assessment of Arsenal after his side’s 1–0 loss at the Amex Stadium, claiming the Premier League leaders “didn’t try to play football” and urging league officials to clamp down on gamesmanship.

Bukayo Saka’s early goal proved enough for the visitors, who managed only one shot on target all afternoon yet moved further clear at the top of the table. Brighton dominated possession and territory but could not convert their superiority into goals, leaving Hurzeler to lament the manner in which the contest unfolded.

“Statistics never lie,” the German said. “We conceded one shot on goal and created a lot of chances. There was only one team who tried to play football today, and I’m proud of how my boys played.”

Hurzeler reserved his sharpest criticism for the repeated stoppages that punctuated the second half, notably Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya going to ground on three separate occasions. “Did you see in the Premier League a goalkeeper going down three times?” he asked rhetorically. “Then we shouldn’t waste too many words about it. The league has to find rules and limits. At the moment I have the feeling Arsenal are making their own rules.”

The 31-year-old coach stressed that officials need clearer guidance rather than blame falling on referees. “It’s difficult for the referee,” he added. “That’s why the Premier League must create clearer rules to help them.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, informed of Hurzeler’s remarks, offered a terse response: “What a surprise.”

For Arsenal’s travelling support, the result outweighed any aesthetic shortcomings. For Hurzeler, the broader issue lies in how the modern game is being shaped, warning that tactical time-wasting threatens to undermine the league’s spectacle.

Brighton now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, while Arsenal continue to set the pace in the title race, having shown once again that defensive resolve can be every bit as decisive as free-flowing attack.