Brighton & Hove Albion’s Pascal Gross criticized Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics after the Gunners narrowly won 1-0 at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.
The result was secured when Bukayo Saka’s deflected shot in the ninth minute moved Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
However, the win was controversial as the Seagulls’ veteran manager expressed anger at Arsenal’s approach to watching the game.
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Pascal Gross talks about Arsenal’s waste of time
Despite Brighton finishing above the league leaders with a spirited performance, they were unable to find a breakthrough against a cynical but resolute Arsenal defence.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day (via BBC Sport) after the whistle, Gross gave a scathing assessment of the final stages of the game.
“In the second half, we had a couple of chances. We just couldn’t finish attacking. That’s the only thing we missed today. We found a lot of solutions against them. We created a lot of chances. We didn’t have that today, so it’s a shame we outscored them.”
Gross, alerted to Arsenal’s dirty tactics, did not hesitate.
“For Arsenal there are no words needed. I have given my opinion on it. Everyone can decide for themselves, but you don’t want to watch a football match like this. Football fans want to watch a football match, not waste their time.”
Mikel Arteta’s side have built a reputation for ‘dirty play’
Gross’s accusations come after Mikel Arteta’s side have been increasingly criticized this season for using the “dark arts” to protect narrow leads.
From goalkeepers taking too long to take goal kicks, to players convulsing and collapsing at opportune moments, Arsenal have become experts at breaking up the flow of a match when they are holding a lead.
Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior also expressed his dissatisfaction with Arsenal’s tactics early last month.
Manager Arteta has defended his team’s management of matches, calling them “competitive,” but his dissatisfaction with the Amex was clear.
The defeat left Brighton without a win in five games, but it was an ugly victory for Arsenal, who moved one step closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years.
