Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared a previous disagreement with Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler is firmly in the past ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting. The Gunners travel to the Amex Stadium as league leaders, facing a Brighton side sitting fifth in the table with seven points from four games.
Arteta addressed the matter on Friday, referencing a texted apology from Hurzeler after last season's 1-0 Arsenal win at the Amex. "That’s all done. That’s all in the past," Arteta said. "I have huge respect for Fabian and what Brighton have done as a club."
That March defeat, where Hurzeler had accused Arsenal of time-wasting at corners, is Brighton's most recent memory of this fixture. The Seagulls head into the rematch on a strong run of form, having won their last two matches including a dramatic 3-2 victory at Manchester United on Monday. Brighton's standings position is built on an attack that has scored 13 league goals already this season.
Arteta acknowledged the challenge ahead. "We’re going to have a really tough opponent tomorrow," he said. "We have to earn the right to win the game." His Arsenal side are seeking a fifth consecutive league win, which would equal a club record start dating back 123 years. The Gunners have accumulated 12 points from their perfect four-game start, scoring 10 goals while conceding only 2. Their last outing was a 3-0 home win against Bournemouth, where they managed 16 shots on goal.
For Brighton, the focus is on continuing their momentum against the top side. The team's recent fixtures show a potent attack, with goals shared among players like Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Groß, and Malick Yalcouyé. After hosting Arsenal, Roberto De Zerbi's squad will enter a three-week international break. The full squad available for selection can be viewed on the club's squad page.
The report in full is at Straits Times Sport
