Mikel Arteta hit back at Fabian Hurzeler after the Arsenal manager was accused of bending the rules during his side’s 1–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.

A deflected strike from Bukayo Saka early in the first half proved decisive as Arsenal secured their third consecutive victory and tightened their grip on the Premier League title race.

The Gunners now sit seven points clear of Manchester City after the reigning champions were surprisingly held to a 2–2 draw by Nottingham Forest. With the season entering its decisive phase, Arteta’s side appear firmly in control as they chase their first English league title since 2004 following three successive runner-up finishes.

However, even if Arsenal do go on to lift the trophy, comparisons with the club’s famous Arsenal Invincibles remain unlikely. Unlike the free-flowing side assembled by Arsène Wenger, Arteta’s team has been criticised for a more pragmatic approach built on defensive organisation and deadly efficiency from set pieces.

That style came under fire again from Brighton boss Hurzeler, who accused Arsenal of time-wasting and exaggerating injuries during the match. He took particular issue with the Gunners delaying restarts at free-kicks and goalkeeper David Raya receiving treatment on multiple occasions.

“I think there was only one team that tried to play football today,” Hurzeler said. “Did you see in a Premier League game a goalkeeper going down that many times? No?

“They make their own rules. At the moment I have the feeling they are doing their own rules.

“I will never be the kind of manager who tries to win in that way. If I ask everyone in the room, did he really enjoy this game? Maybe one person raises his arm because he’s a big Arsenal fan.

“Where will this go in the future? Is this what the supporters are paying for?”

Arteta, however, dismissed the criticism and defended his team’s approach, insisting their competitive edge deserves recognition.

“What a surprise,” he said when told about Hurzeler’s remarks. “If you go back through previous games you will find a lot of comments like this, always.

“I love my players. That’s the highlight. I love my players and I love the way we compete.

“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.”

While Arsenal’s style may divide opinion, Arteta’s priority is winning as the club remain in contention for a remarkable quadruple.

Alongside their Premier League title push, the Gunners face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League last 16, will meet Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final, and travel to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round.

Asked whether criticism from rival managers bothered him, Arteta kept his response brief:

“No comment.”