Mikel Arteta insists his disagreement with Fabian Hürzeler is firmly in the past as Arsenal prepare to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
There was tension following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Brighton in March, when Hürzeler claimed “only one team tried to play football” and accused the Gunners of “making their own rules”.
Arteta has now played down that confrontation ahead of a meeting that could see Arsenal equal a club record stretching back 123 years.
Arteta moves on from Hürzeler comments
Asked about his relationship with the Brighton head coach, Arteta made clear he has no interest in reigniting their previous disagreement.
“That’s all done. That’s all in the past,” Arteta said.
“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.”
Arsenal arrive on the south coast after winning their opening four Premier League matches as they defend the title.
Their momentum also extends across competitions. Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich made it seven consecutive wins to begin the campaign.
Another victory at Brighton would equal Arsenal’s 123-year club record for their best start to a season.
Max Dowman pushes for Premier League chance
Max Dowman strengthened his case for more minutes by scoring twice against Ipswich in his only appearance of the season.
The 16-year-old is now pushing for his first Premier League outing of the campaign, although Arteta stressed that performances rather than conversations will determine his opportunities.
“The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office,” Arteta said.
Arteta described Dowman and Arsenal’s other fringe players as “really impressive” in midweek.
The Gunners do have defensive concerns before travelling to Brighton. Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are injury doubts, while Jurrien Timber continues working towards full fitness following his long-term groin problem.
Arteta therefore knows extending Arsenal’s perfect league start will require another significant performance at the Amex.
Key points
- Mikel Arteta says his previous disagreement with Fabian Hürzeler is now firmly in the past.
- Arsenal have won their first seven matches across all competitions this season.
- Victory at Brighton would equal a 123-year club record for Arsenal’s best start to a campaign.
- Max Dowman is pushing for Premier League minutes after scoring twice against Ipswich.
- Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie are injury doubts.
What’s next?
Arsenal travel to the Amex on Saturday looking for a fifth consecutive Premier League victory and an eighth straight win in all competitions.
Arteta must also make decisions over Dowman and his defence, with several players facing late fitness assessments before the Brighton clash.
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