Piero Hincapie response to Brighton boss cements his new status at Arsenal

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The full-back is becoming a cult hero at the Emirates Stadium with him helping the team to another crucial victory over Brighton on Wednesday night.

Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie had a simple response to Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s complaints during the Premier League encounter.

Bukayo Saka’s ninth-minute goal was enough to earn the Gunners three crucial points in the race for the Premier League title. The win, along with Man City’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, means that Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table has been extended to seven points, although City do have a game in hand.

Arsenal’s win away at Brighton came despite the hosts dominating the attacking statistics. Brighton recorded 13 shots, compared to Arsenal’s four, with the home side also having 58% possession.

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During the game, Hurzeler was showing his frustration on the sidelines, as the half time whistle approached. Footage shows the German grabbing the ball after it goes out of play.

He then says something to Hincapie as he hands him the ball for the Arsenal man to take a throw-in.

Just after Hincapie gets the ball, he turns to Hurzeler and puts his fingers to his lips with a smile on his face.

The moments will help cement the 24-year-old as a cult-hero among fans at the Emirates Stadium. The full-back has also taken to social media, sharing three pictures from the game with the caption “+3” and a shushing emoji.

Hurzler’s frustrations continued throughout the match, with the Brighton boss not holding back in his post-match press conference.

"There was only one team who tried to play football today. I ask one question. Did you see a Premier League game, a goalkeeper going down three times?” he said.

"We should focus on our performance, we cannot control these types of things. I made my point before the game.

In response, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "What a surprise."

When asked if the comments from other managers bothered him, he added: "It depends on the comment, the person and the purpose."