Hurzeler: We need to perform for 90 minutes

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Albion played well in the second half but went down 2-1 to Arsenal.

Bruce Talbot

2025-12-27T17:40+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler greets Mikel Arteta before kick-off at the Emirates. 📷James Boardman

Fabian Hurzeler thought Albion’s second-half performance could have earned them a point against leaders Arsenal.

Diego Gomez pulled a goal back midway through the second half to make it 2-1 but Albion are now without a win in their last five.

“In the first half we were too passive, we weren’t brave enough and didn’t play with enough courage or personality,” said the head coach. “In the second half we did all that. It’s about personality and courage, we showed that, but we didn’t start well and weren’t able to push out. It was a mix of believing in our own quality and pressing – and that’s what we missed.”

Yankuba Minteh was denied an equaliser by David Raya’s world-class save. “I had a perfect view of the Raya save – I wanted a perfect view of a goal but he showed why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” added Hurzeler.

Yasin Ayari skips past a challenge. 📷James Boardman

“The second is an unlucky goal, although I thought we defended Arsenal’s set pieces well.

“But we need to stick to the match plan for 90 minutes, not just 45. It’s the small margins that matter in the Premier League, and that’s what where we need to get better. It’s a disappointing result.”