Arsenal's Title Glory Will Bear an Asterisk, Warns Pardew, as Hurzeler Condemns Gunners' Joyless Football

Arsenal have widened their grip on the Premier League summit to seven points following a hard-fought victory at the Amex, courtesy of Bukayo Saka's deflected strike in the opening stages. Manchester City's draw with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad handed the Gunners further breathing room in the title race.

Yet the nature of the performance has drawn sharp criticism from the touchline, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler launching a scathing assessment of Arsenal's approach. The German tactician labelled the contest "tortuous" and took particular exception to what he perceived as time-wasting tactics and a general absence of aesthetic appeal.

"If I asked everyone in this room did they enjoy this football game, I'm sure maybe one raises his arm because he's a big Arsenal fan, besides that, no chance," Hurzeler stated emphatically. "There was only one team that tried to play football today. I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way."

The criticism extends beyond Brighton's dugout. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, speaking on talkSPORT, suggested that any Arsenal title triumph would be forever marked by an unsavoury stain. He contended that their reliance on what he termed "gamesmanship" and their refusal to prioritise beautiful football would warrant an asterisk against their name.

"When I'm looking at them with my football manager's head on, they're so professional. They do every bit of gamesmanship to get it over the line," Pardew observed. "There'll be an asterisk next to their name because you've only got to look at them… and say, it's just a functional display. They're good, they're strong, they're powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That's the truth."

When presented with Hurzeler's remarks in the post-match interview, Mikel Arteta offered a measured response with a hint of weariness. "What a surprise," he replied dryly. When invited to expand, the Arsenal manager declined further comment, instead pointing to precedent.

"You just go back to the previous games and you'll find a lot of comments like this always," Arteta said. "I love my players. That's the highlight. I love my players, we love our players and I love the way we compete."

Pressed on whether criticism from opposing managers registers with him, Arteta remained philosophical. "Care? Yeah. Depends… and the comments, and the purpose of that."