Hurzeler doubles down on Arsenal comments after criticising champions

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has refused to back down from his comments that Arsenal ‘make their own rules’. The Brighton boss made the jibe when assessing the Gunners last term on their way to lifting the Premier League crown.

He had been left furious after a 1-0 defeat in March, as he claimed that there was only ‘one team who tried to play football’. Speaking at the time, Hurzeler 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.”

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Hurzeler was asked about his comments ahead of this weekend and claimed that his opinion still stood. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the German said: "Last season was last season. Opinions are important and I will always share my opinion if I am asked.

"But I congratulated Arsenal for being deserved champions. It's a new season. They started very impressively. It is our challenge to compete with them."

Arsenal could keep up their 100 per cent record with a victory at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, albeit are in for a tough challenge against a Seagulls side sitting fifth in the early Premier League table.

On Hurzeler and his comments, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “That’s all done, that’s all in the past. I have huge respect for Fabian, what he’s done and what Brighton have done as a club, it’s just remarkable. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I’m sure.”

Following the clash with Brighton, the Premier League will take a back seat ahead of the first international break of the campaign. Should the Gunners win and results go for them this weekend, Arteta’s side could head into October top of the table.