Gross insists Brighton 'not in' title race despite sitting above Arsenal
Brighton have beaten Arsenal and Manchester City already this season, but Pascal Gross is refusing to entertain talk of a genuine title challenge from the Seagulls.
Fabian Hurzeler's side moved into second place in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Arsenal, after a 2-0 win over Brentford on Sunday. A first half thunderbolt from Diego Gomez and a Gross penalty were enough to see off Keith Andrews' side, who also had Igor Thiago sent off for violent conduct in the 23rd minute.
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Asked whether Brighton could go toe to toe with Arsenal between now and May, Gross was blunt in his response.
“No, we’re not, but we’ve had a really good start to the season,” the 35 year old told Metro.
“It’s the beginning of the season. You see the Premier League and the margins and you look at the results. We’re not getting carried away or anything like that, every game we have to suffer and sometimes it’s momentum. But we’re really pleased to go into the international break like that.”
Brighton's results against the top sides
Brighton's victories over Arsenal and Manchester City this term have been central to their rise up the table, results that have forced plenty of pundits and rival fans to take notice of Hurzeler's squad despite their own caution.
Gross, now in his second spell at the club, also reflected on the penalty that effectively settled the win over Brentford.
“I practice a lot, it doesn’t always go in like this,” he said. “I practice a lot and it’s not always going in there. You can believe me if you want. But it was the right moment it went in so I’m really pleased.”
What it means for Arsenal
Arsenal remain top of the table heading into the international break, with Brighton's win over Brentford keeping the gap at five points rather than letting it close further. The Gunners already know first hand what Brighton are capable of this season, having been beaten by them earlier in the campaign.
Gross's comments suggest Brighton are approaching the rest of the season with caution rather than ambition for silverware, but their results against two of the league's heavyweights mean they will continue to be talked about as a potential disruptor in the title race regardless of how the club themselves frame it.
Arsenal will be back in action after the international break looking to maintain their lead at the top, with Brighton's form between now and then likely to remain a point of interest given how the two sides have already met this season.
