Arteta ends feud with Hurzeler ahead of Brighton clash

by · The Eagle Online

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has put his previous row with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler behind him ahead of their Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Hurzeler criticised Arteta’s approach after Brighton’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in March, claiming that “only one team tried to play football” and accusing the Gunners of “making their own rules”.

However, with the two managers set to meet again on the south coast, Arteta insisted there is no lingering bad blood between them.

Arteta said: “That’s all done. That’s all in the past.

“I have huge respect for Fabian, and what he’s done and what Brighton has done as a club.

“It’s just remarkable, and tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I’m sure.”

Hurzeler maintained his position when asked about his comments from last season, saying he would continue to express his views when asked.

The Brighton manager said: “I think it’s very important that in football there are opinions.

“I will definitely always share my opinion if I am asked. But, in the end, I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions. They deserved it.”

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Arsenal have made a strong start to their Premier League title defence, winning their opening four matches to move top of the table.

The Gunners also defeated Napoli in their opening Champions League fixture and secured a place in the League Cup fourth round with victory at Ipswich on Tuesday.

Teenage playmaker Max Dowman was among the standout performers against Ipswich, scoring twice in his first appearance of the season.

Asked whether the 16-year-old had been pushing for more playing time, Arteta said: “The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office.

“Then you just leave out the arguments. 

“When a player delivers constantly on the pitch, every single day in training, that’s the best way, that’s the best signal for the manager.”

Arsenal have won seven consecutive matches in all competitions, including the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

A victory against Brighton would equal the club’s 123-year record for their best start to a campaign.

Arteta said: “We know how complicated it is to win a football match at this level. 

“So, to win seven, it tells a story.

“After the World Cup, there were a lot of unknowns about how the players and the team were going to react. 

“We didn’t have any time with them to work together.

“But I said from day one, the attitude and what I was seeing, I was really impressed with. 

“Then you have to put it down to performances.”

Arteta is also yet to sign a contract extension, with talks having continued for several months, but the Spaniard said there was no cause for concern.

He said: “I think we are all very much aligned; whenever the time is right we’ll get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about.”

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