Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has defended Arsenal’s style of play, following criticism of their performance at Brighton.
Arsenal won 1-0 at Brighton in midweek to extend their lead in the Premier League title race. However, the Gunners were criticised by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and midfielder Pascal Gross at full-time, with accusations of time-wasting at The Amex Stadium.
Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces has been attributed as a negative this season, though their approach has been hugely effective. The North Londoners have scored 16 goals from corners in 2025-26, equalling the single-season Premier League record.
Chelsea witnessed first-hand the threat Arsenal provide from set-piece situations, after conceding two goals from corners in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates last weekend.
Rosenior defended the Gunners and said there are ‘different’ ways to win games, insisting he is not ‘here to judge’ the tactics of other teams.
“They are a very good team, that’s why they are where they are. They are very well organised in every aspect of the game,” Rosenior said to the media on Friday, ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup tie at Wrexham.
“I think the beautiful thing about football is that you can play any way you want to play, if you believe in it. They believe in what they do. Everybody has a different idea [of how to play], that’s why you have different managers with different styles.
“I’m not here to judge. I don’t judge any other team. I respect every team in the way they go about things, and you have to find ways to adapt and overcome that.”
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