'Not used to that' - Pascal Gross makes Brighton admission after starring in Arsenal victory
Pascal Gross said he is loving life at Brighton and Hove Albion, after helping the Seagulls secure a stunning 3-0 victory over Arsenal.
The experienced midfielder opened the scoring, and supplied an assist, as Fabian Hurzeler’s side marked the club’s 125th anniversary by comprehensively. The victory over the Premier League champions, at the Amex Stadium, will live long in the memory.
Gross broke the deadlock after 31 minutes, completing a patient Brighton move with an excellent right-footed finish, which beat David Raya, and went in off the post.
Charalampos Kostoulas doubled the advantage with a powerful 25-yard strike on the stroke of half-time – before Chema Andres headed home Gross’ corner in the 57th minute.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Gross said: “I thought we showed great intensity, waited for mistakes and punished Arsenal.
"It was a strong performance, a very complete performance.
“We won the ball high up and attacked really fast. After the last two wins we are full of confidence and wanted to finish really strong before the international break.”
The victory continued an outstanding spell for Gross, who has now scored three goals in three games and four in his past five appearances.
His latest display came after he played a leading role in Brighton’s 3-2 victory at Manchester United, in the Carabao Cup. The German scored his team’s second goal at Old Trafford.
He also scored a penalty in the 5-0 win at Coventry, three days earlier.
Despite the demands of the schedule, the 35-year-old insisted he remains in excellent condition and is enjoying his football on the south coast.
“I feel really good,” he said.
"I can't complain. I just try to help the team when I can. I really enjoy life in Brighton, I'm loving it.”
Gross’ contribution earned further praise from Hurzeler, who compared the midfielder to a ‘good wine’ which improves with age.
The Albion head coach also highlighted Gross’ influence away from matches, describing him as an important figure in bringing together a squad containing several different nationalities and generations.
Brighton will face an increasingly demanding schedule when club football resumes, with matches expected every three days.
Gross acknowledged that the relentless programme would provide a significant test, particularly for less-experienced members of the squad.
He added: “I know after the international break we play every three days and a lot of the lads are not used to that.
“It will be tough. I hope we can compete. We have a big squad this season.”