'Something to regret' - Fabian Hurzeler says Brighton lacked two vital characteristics in first-half horror show at Arsenal - but also admits personal shortcoming
Fabian Hurzeler admitted he had regrets about the game-plan after watching his Brighton side lose 2-1 to Arsenal – but accused his players of showing a lack of courage in the first-half.
Brighton were second best for much of the match at the Emirates, lacking the intensity and belief that they rediscovered after the hour mark. By the time they regrouped, they were already two goals down and facing a mountain to climb – one that ultimately proved too steep despite a spirited fightback.
“First half we didn't play a good game, without courage, without personality,” Hurzeler said, post-match.
“Second half was completely the opposite. There was a lot of courage, chances to make the 2-2 and in the end it's a disappointing result.”
The German, 32, said he told his players at half-time to ‘play with more courage’ and ‘more belief in your own quality’.
He made two substitutions in an attempt to turn the tide, with Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer replacing Brajan Gruda and Maxim De Cuyper – who both struggled to make an impact in the 5-4-1 formation, without a recognised striker.
Asked whether the second-half display prompted reflection on his own team selection and tactical plan, Hurzeler was candid.
“Yeah, for sure,” he said. “When you see this, then definitely there’s something to regret in the first-half.”
Brighton’s revival nearly earned them a point, with Diego Gomez finding the net after 64 minutes before Minteh was denied a dramatic equaliser by a fine save from David Raya. For Hurzeler, that moment encapsulated both the promise of his side’s response, and the frustration of what might have been had they started the game with the same intent.
“The small margins make the difference, especially when you play against a top team,” he said. “But we also have to improve because the goals we conceded were more individual mistakes from us.”
Hurzeler was clear that moral victories carry little weight at this level.
For Brighton, the challenge now is ensuring that the courage and personality shown in the second half becomes the standard from the first whistle – rather than a remedy applied too late.
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