‘Like a good wine’ – Fabian Hurzeler’s verdict on Brighton star man after Albion thrash Arsenal

The German produced another outstanding performance, as Albion marked their 125th anniversary by comfortably beating the defending Premier League champions, at the Amex Stadium.

Gross opened the scoring after 31 minutes, completing a patient passing move with a superb right-footed finish which beat David Raya and went in off the post.

He then delivered the perfectly placed corner from which Chema Andres headed home Brighton’s third goal after 57 minutes.

It continued Gross’ remarkable run of form, following his influential performances in Albion’s 5-0 league win at Coventry – and 3-2 cup victory at Manchester United.

The 35-year-old has now scored three goals in his past three appearances and four in five, but Hurzeler believes his contribution extends far beyond goals and assists.

Speaking after the Arsenal victory, the Brighton head coach said: “We spoke about Pascal Gross and I said, I think in my last press conference, that you can compare him a little bit with a good wine.

"The older he gets, the better he is.

“He’s not only a player who makes his team-mates better, he’s not only a player who really understands the game so well.

“I think the things you can’t measure are the things we see in the daily business and on the training ground.”

Hurzeler highlighted Gross’ ability to bring together a Brighton squad containing players of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

He added: “He has the skill of creating social bonds between all the players we have.

“We have so many different nationalities, so many different generations, and he has an understanding of all these dynamics. He brings these different backgrounds together and I think that’s something we sometimes underestimate.

“We speak a lot about goals, chances and tactical approaches, but, in the end, the players trust each other, the players can rely on each other on the pitch and the players really feel connected.

“He’s a big driver for this. He’s a really helpful player for me as well.”

Gross’ early goal set Brighton on their way before Charalampos Kostoulas doubled the advantage with a powerful long-range strike shortly before half-time.

Andres completed the scoring with his first goal for the club as Arsenal struggled to cope with Albion’s intensity and organisation.

Hürzeler also praised Gross’ determination and winning mentality, joking that the midfielder would be unlikely to spend his time away from football relaxing.

He said: “I think he’s looking in his free time now, ‘Where can I run a race?’ because he will never stand still.

“Maybe he’s playing a little padel, but I will now say to him that he needs to get a few days off.

“It also shows his character. He has this winning mentality and it definitely helps us.”