Brighton tried the calm, measured approach in the first half against Arsenal and it did not serve them well, so after the break they went full-throttle instead.
Another German manager, who did quite well in the Premier League, called it heavy metal football. Hurzeler prefers the term “our identity” or “our process.” It doesn’t quite have the same ring but when it works, it’s hard to deal with – as Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle and Manchester City have already found out this season. The problem for Hurzeler has been delivering that on a regular basis, as draws against Wolves, Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton demonstrate.
Arsenal were so comfortable in the first half at the Amex Stadium, it was quite hard for home fans to watch. It was little surprise when the visitors took the lead on 16 minutes as Ethan Nwaneri’s shot squeezed under the body of Bart Verbruggen. Brighton laboured to halftime with Simon Adingra’s wayward effort from 10 yards the best they had to show.
Brajan Gruda and Matt O’Riley were replaced by Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh but most importantly energy came on for lethargy, epitomised by the excellent Joao Pedro, who was skipper for the day due to another ‘minor’ calf injury to Lewis Dunk.
It was only right that Pedro hauled Brighton back as he won and converted a disputed 61st minute penalty after he collided with William Saliba. Despite their best efforts, Brighton failed to find a winner – they remain winless in eight – but the second half gives them a clearer direction of travel. Here’s how they rated…
9. Brajan Gruda - 5
Four consecutive starts for the German and struggled to make an impression in the first half. Hooked at halftime and replaced by Minteh. Photo: Bryn Lennon
10. Simon Adingra - 6
Scuffed a first-time effort well wide on 34 minutes when he should have scored. Just wasn't his day and replaced by Mitoma on the hour. Photo: Bryn Lennon
11. Yasin Ayari - 7
Covered the hard yards and has become a trusted member of Hurzeler's first team despite all the expensive new arrivals around him. Just lacked that final pass but much to like about Ayari this season Photo: Mike Hewitt
12. Joao Pedro - 9
Won and converted the penalty superbly. Captain for the day in Dunk's absence and led the line very well. Strong in possession, linked the play well, tackled and did his defensive duties. Excellent! Photo: Mike Hewitt