Arteta buries hatchet with Hurzeler ahead of Brighton clash

AFP | London

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Mikel Arteta has made peace with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler following their row last season as the pair go head to head again on Saturday.

Hurzeler criticised Arteta's style of play during a 1-0 defeat against the Gunners at the Amex Stadium in March.

The German said "only one team tried to play football" and accused the Arsenal of "making their own rules".

With the champions heading back to Brighton in the top flight this weekend, the spotlight will be fixed on the touchline to see if the spat lingers.

Hurzeler refused to back down this week when quizzed on his comments from last season.

"I think it's very important that in football there are opinions," he said.

"I will definitely always share my opinion if I am asked. But, in the end, I congratulate Arsenal for being deserved champions. They deserved it."

Speaking yesterday, Arteta insisted there was no bad blood over Hurzeler's blast.

"That's all done. That's all in the past," the Arsenal manager told reporters.

"I have huge respect for Fabian, and what he's done and what Brighton has done as a club.

"It's just remarkable, and tomorrow is going to be a beautiful game to watch, I'm sure."

Arsenal have made a flying start to their Premier League title defence, with four successive victories taking them to the top of the table.

The north Londoners also won their opening Champions League match against Napoli and booked their place in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday with a win at Ipswich.