Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew believes Arsenal's Premier League title would come with an asterisk due to their time-wasting tactics, after Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler accused the Gunners of 'making their own rules'
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, faced the press after his side beat Brighton
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates their win at Brighton(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Alan Pardew reckons Arsenal's time-wasting tactics should mean their Premier League title comes with an asterisk if they manage to fend off Manchester City.
The Gunners' approach drew sharp criticism from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler after Wednesday's 1-0 victory at the Amex Stadium that saw them establish a seven-point advantage.
Goalkeeper David Raya went down injured on three separate occasions during the match and needed treatment on the pitch from medics, with Hurzeler suggesting Arsenal are "making their own rules".
It was a view that former West Ham and Newcastle boss Pardew endorsed.
"When I'm looking at them with my football manager's head on, they're so professional," Pardew told TalkSport. "They do every bit of gamesmanship to get it over the line.
"But really and truly, Brighton, although they have definitely upped the tempo and looked better second half, they've not really hurt Arsenal.
"And at the moment it looks like Arsenal are going to see it through. There'll be an asterisk next to their name because you've only got to look at them really in these type of performances and say it's just a functional display.
"It's a professional, functional display. They're good, they're strong, they're powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That's the truth."
It was a curiously muted attacking performance by Mikel Arteta's side who registered just seven shots on target, including the ninth-minute winner from Bukayo Saka, and completed only 70.9 per cent of their passes.
They made up for it by defending tenaciously and disrupting Brighton's flow, leading Hurzeler's frustration.
"I think there was only one team that tried to play football today," the Brighton boss said.
"Did you see in a Premier League game a goalkeeper going down the times? No?
"We shouldn't waste too many words about that tonight. We can't control these kind of things. The Premier League has to find a rule.
"In the end it's about the rules. If the Premier League and referee allow everything, then it's difficult.
"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. I want to develop players.
"If I ask everyone in the room, did he really enjoy this game? I'm sure maybe one 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 remained defiant in the face of the accusations of timewasting and faked injuries.
"What a surprise," he said when informed of Hurzeler's claims. "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 (opposition fans) want to take that away from you. That's normal, that is sport."
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