Arsenal can secure Premier League victory without forming alliances.
BRIGHTON, England — It was fitting that the loudest cheer of the evening in such a lackluster match came for an event occurring elsewhere.
Arsenal had just secured a 1-0 victory at Brighton when news arrived moments later that their rivals Manchester City had drawn at home against Nottingham Forest, placing the Gunners seven points ahead and the Premier League title firmly in their control. A wave of renewed hope swept through the traveling fans who, as they exited, chanted: “And now you will believe us, we’re gonna win the league.”
Only time will reveal the outcome, but such a turn of events could create a memorable highlight from an otherwise forgettable match. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka netted the sole goal after nine minutes with a weak shot that took a slight deflection off Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, which does not absolve goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s inadequate attempt to save it. Following that, Arsenal adopted a largely passive approach, opting to slow the pace of the game and manage their energy and possession, which frustrated Brighton from the start.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler somewhat set the tone with his pre-match remarks regarding the lengthy time Arsenal takes to restart play from corners. The home supporters picked up on this. They expressed their discontent as the Gunners delayed restarts at goal kicks, corners, free kicks — essentially, any instance when the ball went out of play. Goalkeeper David Raya went to the ground several times. Referee Chris Kavanagh cautioned him about time-wasting at one point.
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Hurzeler confronted fourth official David Webb and even exchanged heated remarks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta midway through the first half. Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié seemed to silence Hurzeler as he took a throw-in near the Brighton bench shortly before halftime. The tension persisted afterward as Brighton began to gain momentum, invigorated by Yankuba Minteh’s introduction at halftime.
However, Arteta addressed the need for Arsenal to improve their game management following several shaky performances in the second half. Credit is due: they managed to see out the final 20 minutes with a level of authority.
The end justified the means, but when this phrase was presented to Hurzeler, he launched a pointed critique of Arsenal’s tactics. “There are different ways to win,” he remarked. “If they win the Premier League, no one will question how they achieved it.
“You can genuinely sense that they do everything possible to secure this victory. Ultimately, it comes down to the rules. If the Premier League, if the referee permits everything, then it becomes challenging. They create their own regulations.
“… Do you want to send off the goalkeeper for two yellow cards for time-wasting? That will never occur. So what should he do? That’s the issue, and that’s why we need rules, boundaries.
“That’s also what [referee Kavanagh] acknowledged to me at halftime. We discussed how he could minimize the time wasted, and he indicated it isn’t even difficult for him. We require clear regulations because then you can safeguard the referee. They must adhere to certain principles, and the Premier League needs to assist them more.”
The criticism persisted. Hurzeler expressed his admiration for how his team performed, stating that “there was only one team that attempted to play football today.”
“… I will never be that type of manager who seeks to win in that manner,” he stated. “I aim to develop players. I want players to continue improving, to keep playing football on the pitch. Ultimately, every team will manage and waste time, but I believe there should be a limit.
“I’m uncertain if we were to ask everyone here in the room, ‘Did they truly enjoy this football match?’ I’m sure maybe one would raise their hand because they are a devoted Arsenal supporter. Aside from that, no chance.”
“Where will this lead in the future? That’s my inquiry. One match we play 60 minutes of actual time and then you face Arsenal, only 50 minutes. There is a 10-minute difference – is this what fans are paying for?”
Arteta declined to engage in a response. “What a surprise,” he remarked when the essence of Hurzeler’s critique was relayed to him.
Brighton may not have been able to stop Arsenal’s title pursuit, but they have contributed to the narrative for the upcoming weeks. Alongside the criticisms the Gunners face regarding their dependence on set pieces now stands public denunciation of their time-wasting, which other opponents will be questioned about and visiting crowds will capitalize on any instances of.
This only adds to what Arteta refers to as the external noise surrounding Arsenal’s quest to secure their first title since 2004. However, when the dust settles, the Gunners will reflect on a night where they extended their lead at the top and increased pressure on City.
If it comes down to choosing between gaining friends and winning the title, there is no contest.
