Mikel Arteta hit back at claims from Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler that Arsenal "make their own rules" after a hard-fought 1-0 win kept the Premier League leaders firmly on course for the title. Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the ninth minute at the Amex
Stadium, his deflected effort proving enough to secure Arsenal's third successive league victory. The result moved the Gunners seven points clear at the top after Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal are chasing a first English league crown since 2004 and, after three consecutive runners-up finishes, have taken control of the title race. While comparisons with Arsène Wenger’s celebrated “Invincibles” remain unfavourable in stylistic terms, Arteta’s side continue to grind out results with defensive discipline and set-piece efficiency.
Brighton, however, were left incensed by what they viewed as gamesmanship. Hurzeler accused Arsenal of time-wasting and manipulating the tempo of the game, particularly at free-kicks, while singling out goalkeeper David Raya for repeatedly going to ground.
"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 doing 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?"
The German coach added: "There are different kinds of winning, so if they win the Premier League, no one will ask how they win the Premier League. If the Premier League, if the referee allows everything then it's difficult, then they make their own rules… Teams will manage and waste time, but I think there has to be a limit."
Arteta was unmoved by the criticism, suggesting such remarks have become routine as Arsenal edge closer to the title. "What a surprise," he said. "You just go back to the previous games and you'll find a lot of comments like this always. I love my players, we love our 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’s pragmatic edge may not win universal admiration, but it continues to deliver. In addition to leading the Premier League, they remain alive in multiple competitions, underlining a campaign built more on resilience than romance.
Whether lauded for their efficiency or criticised for their methods, Arteta’s side now hold the destiny of the title in their own hands, and, for now at least, they are showing little concern for how history will judge the manner of their march.
