Fabian Hurzeler launches extraordinary attack on Arsenal: Brighton boss claims Gunners are 'making their own rules' and 'only one team tried to play football' amid more alleged time-wasting during 1-0 win

Arsenal went seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as Bukayo Saka ’s early strike downed Brighton — but were once again accused by Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler of bending the rules.

The Gunners capitalised on Manchester City dropping points in a 2-2 draw at home to Nottingham Forest on what could be a pivotal night in the title race.

Yet they continue to make enemies, with an angry Hurzeler saying: ‘There was only one team who tried to play football today.

‘There was so many actions (of time-wasting). In the end, it’s about the rules. If the Premier League, the referee, allows everything, then it is difficult. They (Arsenal) make their own rules. At the moment I have a feeling that they do their own rules, no matter how they are playing.

‘Overall, I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way. I want to develop players, I want my players to keep improving and playing football on the pitch.’

Fabian Hurzeler accused Arsenal of time-wasting in their 1-0 win at the Amex

Shortly before those comments Hurzeler, 33, had told TNT Sports that his side should have had a penalty towards the end of the first half but added: 'I think in the end we have to accept the decision, it's more about for me that the referee handles the other things better.

'The Premier League needs to find a rule because i think that's not football what Arsenal did there and therefore that's more the point I made to him.

'I think everyone saw it and everyone has to make their own opinion. I said it before the game.

When asked how the referees can deal with those other things, Hurzeler said: 'Giving more yellow cards for time-wasting. I can ask you... do you ever see the goalkeeper go down three times in a game?

On Hurzeler’s comments, Arteta sarcastically quipped: ‘What a surprise.’

Pressed further, he said: ‘You just go back to the previous games and you'll find a lot of comments like this always.

‘I love my players. That's the highlight. I love my players, we love our players and I love the way we compete.’

Hurzeler was effectively echoing his complaints he made before the match. In Monday's press conference ahead of the clash with Arsenal he accused the Gunners of wasting time, saying: 'When Arsenal has a corner and they are leading, sometimes they spend over one minute just to take a corner.

'Therefore I think we just have to make clear rules, because in the end we have game time of 50 minutes instead of sometimes 65 minutes. The game is changing so much. We analyse it and the difference is massive.'