Alan Shearer has told Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler to stop worrying about Arsenal and focus on his own team’s struggles.
“You’d Be Better Off Concentrating on Your Own Team” – Shearer Hits Back
The former Newcastle striker hit back after Hurzeler criticized Arsenal for time-wasting during their 1-0 win at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game, sending Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Hurzelser was unhappy with Arsenal’s game management. He singled out goalkeeper David Raya, who went to ground several times during the match, requiring treatment.
The Brighton boss claimed Arsenal only had 50 minutes of ball in play and warned that such tactics harm the spectacle for fans.
However, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer dismissed the complaints.
He understands that managers speak emotionally after a defeat, but he believes Hurzeler is looking in the wrong direction.
“I get that, I understand that,” Shearer said.
“But the Arsenal fans won’t give a damn what he thinks.
They won’t give a damn how Arsenal perform, as long as they go out and win that game.”
Shearer pointed to Brighton’s own poor form as a more pressing concern for the young German coach. Brighton have won just three of their last 16 games.
“He wouldn’t be happy because his team are not doing as well as they should do,” Shearer added.
“They’ve won three in 16… he’d be better off concentrating on his own team rather than any other team.”
The Premier League’s all-time leading scorer insisted that Arsenal are simply doing what it takes to win.
“None of that is Arsenal’s fault,” he said.
“Come the end of the season, if they win the league they have found a way to be the best team in the league.”
Gary Lineker joined Shearer in defending the Gunners. He told his Arsenal friends to take the criticism as a compliment.
“It’s because you’re a threat, that’s why they do it,” Lineker said.
“If they do go on to win the league they’ll get all the plaudits, except for those who are jealous. Enjoy that I would say.”
