Fabian Hurzeler bemoaned Brighton's lack of "courage or personality" during the first half of their defeat at Arsenal.

The Seagulls' winless streak in the Premier League extended to five matches, after they went down 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Martin Odegaard drilled Arsenal in front after 14 minutes, while the Premier League leaders doubled their lead early in the second half when Declan Rice's corner was deflected into his own net by Georginio Rutter.

Diego Gomez pulled one back for the visitors before Yankuba Minteh was brilliantly denied by David Raya, but the visitors' late surge ultimately proved academic as they left empty-handed.

Hurzeler was encouraged by his side's performance after the break, but highlighted the importance of producing a consistent display across 90 minutes.

All over against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/N23Bd5bX0e

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 27, 2025

"In the first half, we were too passive, we weren't brave enough and didn't play with enough courage or personality," the Brighton boss said.

"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.

"The second is an unlucky goal, although I thought we defended Arsenal's set-pieces well.

"I think the games when we play are never done, we proved it this season so far that we can always compete.

"We were close to making it 2-2, we had chances and we were in the game. But in the end, we weren't able to score. The small margins make the difference, and we have to understand how important they are.

"We proved in the second half [we can compete], but it is about doing it for 90 minutes. If you aren't doing it for 45 minutes, then you have to be defensively good. We definitely have to improve there."