Alan Shearer has hit back at Fabian Hurzeler’s criticism of Arsenal’s ‘time wasting’ after their 1-0 win against Brighton this week.
Bukayo Saka’s goal sealed Arsenal’s victory over Brighton which has put them seven points clear at the highest of the Premier League after Manchester City were held at home to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.
But after the sport, Hurzeler was unhappy with Arsenal’s game management and singled out David Raya for criticism after the goalkeeper went to ground on multiple occasions and required medical treatment.
‘I believe there was just one team who tried to play football today,’ Hurzeler said.
‘If I asked everyone on this room did they enjoy this football game, I’m sure perhaps one raises his arm because he’s a giant Arsenal fan, besides that, no likelihood.
‘In the long run we’ve got to make the boundaries or the Premier League has to make the boundaries. Where will this go in the long run? One game we played 60 minutes net time [ball in play], then while you play against Arsenal it’s only 50 minutes, that’s ten minutes difference. That is what the supporters are paying for, you get my point.
‘I won’t complain concerning the referee since it’s really difficult for him, do you desire to send off the goalkeeper for 2 yellow cards for wasting time? It will never occur so what should he do? That’s the thing, that’s why you wish rules, limits.’
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When asked if Hurzeler could have said his comments in the warmth of the moment, Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: ‘Yeah, I get that, I understand that and it’s perhaps the worst time to refer to a manager after a game, particularly once they’ve lost, because there are such a lot of things racing through your head and you may say things you may not mean or might regret.
‘However the Arsenal fans won’t give a rattling what he thinks, won’t give a rattling how Arsenal perform, so long as they exit and win that game.
‘Arsenal fans would have watched that game and enjoyed it and enjoyed the result. He [Hurzeler] wouldn’t because his team aren’t doing in addition to they need to do. They’ve won three in 16… he’d be higher off concentrating on his own team moderately than every other team.’
Shearer added: ‘None of that’s Arsenal’s fault. Come the top of the season, in the event that they win the league they’ve found a solution to be one of the best team within the league.
‘The Arsenal fans is not going to give a jot what anyone says in the event that they exit and win the title.’
Gary Lineker echoed Shearer’s sentiments and insists Arsenal shouldn’t be concerned with the claims from rival managers and supporters.
‘I’ve got one or two Arsenal friends, a friend of mine Briac, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, text me asking, ‘why is everyone having a go, why do they hate us a lot?’, and I say to him you’ve got to take it as a compliment,’ Lineker said.
‘It’s since you’re a threat, that’s why they do it. I believe a few of them do take it a bit personally but in the event that they do go on to win the league they’ll get all of the plaudits, except for many who are jealous. Enjoy that I’d say.’
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