Brighton star Gross says ‘no words needed’ in Gunners slam as they ‘don’t even watch the ball’

Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross insists football fans ‘want to see a football match, not waste time’ during a dig at Arsenal after their game against the Seagulls on Wednesday night.

Bukayo Saka’s opening goal sealed all three points for Arsenal as they increased their lead at the top of the table to seven points, although second-placed Manchester City have a game in hand and are due to face the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium in April.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler criticized Mikel Arteta’s side’s time wasting ahead of the game and insisted there was “only one team that tried to play football” in their defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday.

Hurzeler called on authorities to put in place tougher rules to stop Arsenal’s tactics, with the Brighton head coach complaining that David Raya was injured three times.

And Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross believed the Seagulls “dominated” Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday and “no words were needed for that” from the Gunners.

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Talk to BBC Match of the DayGross commented on the match: “In the second half we had two or three chances. We didn’t finish the attack, that’s the only thing we lacked today. We didn’t give up many chances. A good performance, a very good effort but in the end we are disappointed with the result.

“We found a lot of solutions against them. We created a lot of things. That wasn’t the case today, so we’re disappointed to have dominated them.

“No words are needed for Arsenal. I’ve given my opinion on this. I’m really proud of my fans for the way they’ve supported us. Everyone can make their own decision, but I’m sure you don’t like watching these football matches. I’ve made my point and I think it’s a good argument. Football fans want to see a football match, not waste time.”

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Adding in a separate interview with TNT SportsGross continued: “In the corners they block us, they don’t even look at the ball. That’s how it is, but that’s also why they keep a clean sheet. They defend hard and on the limit.

“It kills the rhythm. If you watch the games, they are very good at it. They take time to set things up. That works in their favor.

Responding to Hurzeler’s post-match comments criticizing his team, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “What a surprise. You can just go back to previous games and you will find a lot of comments. I love my players. This is the highlight. I love my players, we love our players and I love the way we compete.”

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