Mikel Arteta responds to Fabian Hurzeler slamming David Raya after Arsenal beat Brighton | Football

Mikel Arteta has hit back at Fabian Hurzeler’s complaints about Arsenal’s ‘time wasting’ after Brighton’s 1-0 defeat to the Gunners on Wednesday evening.

Bukayo Saka’s goal sealed Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Brighton to put Arteta’s side seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.

Speaking after Brighton’s defeat, Hurzeler accused David Raya of feigning injury and criticised Arsenal for their style of play.

‘I think there was only one team who tried to play football today,’ Hurzeler said.

‘If I asked everyone in this room did they enjoy this football game, I’m sure maybe one raises his arm because he’s a big Arsenal fan, besides that, no chance.

‘In the end we have to make the limits or the Premier League has to make the limits. Where will this go in the future? One game we played 60 minutes net time [ball in play], then when you play against Arsenal it’s only 50 minutes, that’s ten minutes difference. This is what the supporters are paying for, you get my point.

‘I won’t complain about the referee because it’s really difficult for him, do you want to send off the goalkeeper for two yellow cards for wasting time? This will never happen so what should he do? That’s the thing, that’s why you need rules, limits.’

When asked about Hurzeler’s comments, Arteta replied: ‘What a surprise.’

Asked if he wanted to elaborate on his response, Arteta said: ‘No. You just go back to the previous games and you’ll find a lot of comments like this always.

‘I love my players. That’s the highlight. I love my players, we love our players and I love the way we compete.’

Asked if he cares what another manager says about him, Arteta replied: ‘Care? Yeah. Depends… and the comments, and the purpose of that.’

When Arteta was told that Hurzeler said that only one team tried to play football, the Arsenal manager replied: ‘Next question.’

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