Opponent coach accuses Arsenal of time-wasting, claims they make their own rules to stay atop the Premier League

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler delivered a sharp rebuke aimed at Arsenal and coach Mikel Arteta after his side's 0-1 loss to the Gunners on Wednesday evening.

In a frustrated statement lasting nearly 15 minutes, the German strategist accused the Premier League leaders of "making their own rules," condemned time-wasting behavior, and declared he "would never be the type of coach who seeks to win in that manner."

The match's only goal came from a Bukayo Saka shot that deflected off Carlos Baleba's foot, leaving goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen helpless. The victory allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the top to seven points after Manchester City was held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.

However, Hurzeler could not hide his anger, especially after tense touchline clashes with Arteta during the first half. "Only one team tried to play football today," Hurzeler stated. "There was far too much time-wasting. Ultimately, the issue lies with the rules. If the Premier League and referees allow everything, it becomes very difficult. Arsenal are setting their own rules. I feel they play by their own rulebook, regardless of how they perform. I would never be a coach who aims to win in that way. I want to develop players, I want them to improve and play proper football on the pitch."

Earlier on TNT Sports, Hurzeler argued that Brighton should have been awarded a penalty late in the first half, but conceded: "In the end, we have to accept the decision. For me, the bigger issue is how the referee handled other situations." He emphasized the Premier League needs clearer regulations: "That is not football the way Arsenal played. I said this before the match."

When asked what referees should do, Hurzeler replied: "Show more yellow cards for time-wasting. I ask you—have you ever seen a goalkeeper go down three times in one match?"

Responding to the sharp comments, Arteta expressed surprise: "Oh, that's unexpected." When pressed further, he said: "Look at previous matches, you'll see many comments like that. I love my players. That's the most important thing. I love how they play and how we compete."

Arsenal keeper David Raya was on the ground several times for injuries during the game. In another incident, Brighton defender Joel Veltman even pulled Saka off the pitch out of frustration when the Arsenal star stayed down near the touchline.

The post-match remarks are just the latest chapter in the escalating war of words between the two managers.

In the pre-match press conference, Hurzeler had publicly criticized Arsenal: "When Arsenal get a corner while leading, sometimes they take over a minute just to take the corner kick. We need clear rules, because the actual playing time can be just 50 minutes instead of 65. The game is changing a lot."

From the very start of the match, the two coaches engaged in a tense exchange on the touchline, stemming from Hurzeler repeatedly complaining to fourth official David Webb about throw-ins and set-pieces he felt were deliberately time-wasting.