Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler launched a scathing attack on Arsenal’s style of play after his side suffered a 1-0 home defeat on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The German tactician, visibly incensed during his post-match press conference at the Amex Stadium, claimed there was “only one team who tried to play football today,” referring to his own players. Hürzeler specifically targeted the game-management strategies employed by Mikel Arteta’s side, accusing the league leaders of excessive time-wasting and cynical fouls. He noted that the rhythm of the match was constantly interrupted by Arsenal players going down under minimal contact, which he believes undermined the spirit of the game.
The Brighton head coach did not mince words when discussing his own philosophy in comparison to that of the opposition. “I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way,” Hürzeler told reporters, reinforcing his commitment to a more expansive and continuous style of play. He expressed frustration at how the officiating allowed what he described as “doing their own rules,” particularly highlighting three separate occasions where Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya required medical treatment. Hürzeler argued that such tactics are becoming a recurring theme in the Premier League and called for stricter regulations to protect the “natural game time” that supporters pay to see.
The decisive moment of the match occurred in the ninth minute when Bukayo Saka, making his 300th appearance for the Gunners, saw his long-range effort deflect off Carlos Baleba and squirm past Bart Verbruggen. Despite Brighton dominating possession and out-shooting the visitors 11-7, they were unable to find a breakthrough against a resolute Arsenal defence led by Gabriel Magalhaes. Mikel Arteta dismissed Hürzeler’s criticisms as “unsurprising,” noting that similar comments are often made by opponents who struggle to break down his team. The victory moves Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the table, capitalising on Manchester City’s concurrent -2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
