Brighton vs Arsenal: Hurzeler defends past remarks, hails Gunners as England’s best but targets upset

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has said he does not regret his comments criticising Arsenal last season.

Hurzeler hit out at the Gunners after a 1-0 defeat for Brighton in March, stating there was “only one team who tried to play football” after being frustrated by perceived time-wasting tactics from Arsenal.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya went down injured on three occasions, with Hurzeler fuming. Speaking at the time, he said: “If they win the Premier League, no one will ask how they win the Premier League. You can really feel that they do everything now to win and, in the end, it’s about the rules. So if the Premier League, if the referee, allows everything, then it’s difficult. Then, they make their own rules.

“At the moment, I have the feeling they are doing their own rules, no matter how they are playing. I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way. Of course, every team will manage and waste time but there has to be a limit and the limit has to be set by the Premier League. The limit has to be set by the referees. At the moment, they just do what they want.”

Ahead of this weekend's fixture with Arsenal, Hurzeler said he had no regrets over his criticism and said he will always be honest with his opinion.

"What was said last season was said last season. It is very important to remember that there are opinions in football and I will always share my opinion if I'm asked a question.

"At the end of the day, I congratulated Arsenal for being deserved champions. It is a new season now - they have started very impressively and they are maybe the best team in England - so it is our challenge to compete with them by focusing in the game and playing our style of play.

"I do believe we have a chance to win this game."

Mikel Arteta was also asked about a reunion with Hurzeler and said he was keen to leave last season's fallout in the past.

"That's all done, it's all in the past. I have huge respect for what Fabian has done and what Brighton have done. What they have done as a club is remarkable and tomorrow will be a beautiful game to watch I'm sure."