Arteta hits back at Brighton jibe after Arsenal boost EPL title bid

Mikel Arteta slammed Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s claim that Arsenal “make their own rules” after the Premier League leaders moved a step closer to the title with a 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.

Bukayo Saka’s deflected strike early in the first half sealed Arsenal’s third successive victory.

The Gunners are seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by lowly Nottingham Forest.

Arteta have complete control of the title race as they chase a first English crown since 2004 after three consecutive runners-up finishes.

But if Arsenal do go on to claim the title it is highly unlikely they will be held in the same regard as Arsene Wenger’s squad 22 years ago.

In contrast to the eye-catching style of the ‘Invincibles’, there is little to love about Arteta’s prosaic team, who have thrived thanks to their set-piece excellence and a supremely well-drilled defence.

Criticism of Arsenal’s ‘ugly’ tactics is growing and Hurzeler was the latest to join the chorus as he accused the Gunners of time-wasting and faking injuries.

Hurzeler was frustrated by Arsenal’s habit of delaying the restart of the game at free-kicks.

Gunners keeper David Raya also went down injured on three separate occasions and required treatment, sparking suggestions he was faking to allow time for tactical discussions between Arteta and his players.

“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?”

Yet Arteta was unrepentant about Arsenal’s game plan, insisting his players deserved praise for grinding out another vital victory.

“What a surprise,” he said when informed of Hurzeler’s claims. “If you go back through previous games you will find a lot of comments like this, always.

“I love my players. That’s the highlight. I love my players and I love the way we compete.

“When you’re in the position we are in, obviously the opposition want to take that away from you. That’s normal, that is sport.”

Arsenal aren’t earning many style points, but Arteta doesn’t care as they remain in contention for the quadruple.

As well as leading the Premier League, the Gunners face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16, meet Manchester City in the League Cup final and visit Mansfield in the FA Cup fifth round.

Asked whether he cared what other managers thought of him, Arteta replied: “No comment.”

Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior labelled Joao Pedro “world class” after the Brazilian striker’s hat-trick inspired a 4-1 rout of Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Joao Pedro’s first Premier League treble lifted Chelsea into fifth place, just three points behind fourth-placed Villa in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Cole Palmer also scored on a memorable night for the Blues, who came from behind after Douglas Luiz’s opener to end their three-match winless run in the league.

But it was Joao Pedro, with 14 league goals to his credit this season, who earned the acclaim from Rosenior.

“He’s a top player. I think he’s growing in confidence. His goal with the left foot is world class. The finish is magnificent,” he said.

“But actually, I’m really delighted with his two tap-ins that he got. He was in the right place at the right time.

“We worked hard with him on that, but he gets the hat-trick. It’s really hard to single someone out, but I thought it was an outstanding team performance.”

It was by far the best display of Rosenior’s two months in charge and, with Manchester United and Liverpool losing during the midweek fixtures, Chelsea have strengthened their push to reach the Champions League.

Agencies