Mikel Arteta calls out Brighton boss Hurzeler after Arsenal boost title chances

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/saka-bukayo/08NLEo06/"]Bukayo Saka[/a]'s [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/arsenal-hA1Zm19f/brighton-2XrRecc3/?mid=QaZdqm9d"]deflected strike early in the first half[/a] sealed [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/arsenal/hA1Zm19f/"]Arsenal[/a]'s third successive victory.[/p][p]The Gunners are seven points clear of second-placed [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]Manchester City[/a], who were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by lowly [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/nottingham/UsushcZr/"]Nottingham Forest[/a].[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arteta-mikel/lAbHYaQM/"]Arteta[/a] have complete control of the title race as they chase a first English crown since 2004 after three consecutive runners-up finishes.[/p][p]But if Arsenal do go on to claim the title it is highly unlikely they will be held in the same regard as Arsene Wenger's squad 22 years ago.[/p][p]In contrast to the eye-catching style of the 'Invincibles', there is little to love about Arteta's prosaic team, who have thrived thanks to their set-piece excellence and a supremely well-drilled defence.[/p][p]Criticism of Arsenal's 'ugly' tactics is growing and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hurzeler-fabian/QHesBmSQ/"]Hurzeler[/a] was the latest to join the chorus as he accused the Gunners of time-wasting and faking injuries.[/p][p]Hurzeler was frustrated by Arsenal's habit of delaying the restart of the game at free-kicks.[/p][p]Gunners keeper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/raya-david/nkVV0IXb/"]David Raya[/a] also went down injured on three separate occasions and required treatment, sparking suggestions he was faking to allow time for tactical discussions between Arteta and his players.[/p][p]"[b]I think there was only one team that tried to play football today. Did you see in a Premier League game a goalkeeper going down that many times? No?[/b]" Hurzeler said.[/p][p]"[b]They (Arsenal) make their own rules. At the moment I have the feeling they are doing their own rules.[/b][/p][p]"[b]I will never be the kind of manager who tries to win in that way.[/b][/p][p]"[b]If I ask everyone in the room, did he really enjoy this game? I'm sure maybe one raises his arm because he's a big Arsenal fan.[/b][/p][p]"[b]Where will this go in the future? Is this what the supporters are paying for?[/b]"[/p][embed guid="fe0e31e3-ee90-4c58-84aa-ed403c0ad383" url="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2029327038650163703?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]Yet Arteta was unrepentant about Arsenal's game plan, insisting his players deserved praise for grinding out another vital victory.[/p][p]"[b]What a surprise,[/b]" he said when informed of Hurzeler's claims. "[b]If you go back through previous games you will find a lot of comments like this, always.[/b][/p][p]"[b]I love my players. That's the highlight. I love my players and I love the way we compete.[/b][/p][p]"[b]When you're in the position we are in, obviously the opposition want to take that away from you. That's normal, that is sport.[/b]"[/p][p]Arsenal aren't earning many style points, but Arteta doesn't care as they remain in contention for the quadruple.[/p][p]As well as leading the Premier League, the Gunners face [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bayer-leverkusen/4jcj2zMd/"]Bayer Leverkusen[/a] in the Champions League last 16, meet Manchester City in the League Cup final and visit [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/mansfield/t6G9wMZN/"]Mansfield[/a] in the FA Cup fifth round.[/p][p]Asked whether he cared what other managers thought of him, Arteta replied: "[b]No comment.[/b]"[/p]