Premier League's biggest time-wasters revealed after Arsenal took 30 minutes restarting play in Brighton win

This staggering figure was accumulated across three corners, 14 free-kicks and 24 throw-ins as the Gunners clung to their narrow advantage.

Remarkably, this marked the second occasion this season where Arsenal have exceeded the half-hour mark for restarts, having previously done so during their 1-0 victory at Fulham in October.

The north London club have also accumulated a league-high two hours and seven minutes waiting to take corners this campaign.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler launched a fierce verbal assault on Arsenal's approach following the final whistle.

"There was only one team that tried to play football tonight," Hurzeler declared. "I ask one question: did you ever see a Premier League game where a goalkeeper goes down three times?"

The 32-year-old insisted he would never adopt such methods himself, stating: "I will never be the kind of manager who tries to win it that way."

Hurzeler also demanded intervention from football authorities, arguing: "The Premier League has to make clearer rules, needs a limit, for time wasting, because they have to protect the referees."

He added that Arsenal were effectively operating under their own regulations, suggesting officials were permitting behaviour that frustrated opponents and spectators alike.

Arteta's response to the criticism was characteristically dismissive: "What a surprise."

Despite the furore surrounding Arsenal's tactics at Brighton, statistical analysis reveals they are not actually the Premier League's worst offenders for delaying restarts.

Sunderland occupy the top spot in the time-wasting rankings, averaging 33.1 seconds per stoppage.

Brentford sit second with an average of 32.3 seconds, whilst Crystal Palace follow at 31.2 seconds per restart.

Newcastle United take 30.8 seconds on average, with Leeds also ahead of Arsenal at 30.4 seconds.

The Gunners rank sixth overall, spending an average of 30.2 seconds each time play is halted.

Burnley, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham all feature just below Arteta's side in the standings.

Brighton themselves rank second from bottom, averaging just 26.5 seconds on restarts throughout the current campaign.

Liverpool emerge as the Premier League's most efficient side when it comes to restarting play, averaging merely 25.8 seconds per stoppage this term.

The reigning champions sit at the opposite end of the spectrum from the league's most persistent time-wasters.

Wednesday's result proved significant in the title race, with Arsenal extending their advantage at the summit to seven points.

Manchester City's 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on the same evening allowed the Gunners to pull further clear.

Arteta's squad remain in contention across four competitions, maintaining their pursuit of Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup honours alongside their domestic league ambitions.

The north London outfit are desperate to secure their first top-flight championship since 2004, ending a drought spanning more than two decades.