Mikel Arteta has revealed that he had no idea about the response to his side’s controversial celebrations in the wake of their 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend.
The Gunners beat their Premier League title rivals in a brilliant contest at the Emirates, thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in stoppage time.
However, after the final whistle, his side were seen celebrating raucously on the pitch given the pressure riding on the game that had huge ramifications at the top of the table.
Jamie Carragher was vocal in his criticism of the scenes, particularly with captain Martin Odegaard taking pictures of the club’s photographer, Arteta’s own celebrations also dividing opinion.
Arteta, though, admitted that he was unaware of the discourse around the topic in the wake of the victory on Sunday, before claiming that he ‘loves’ to see managers celebrating on the touchline.
Mikel Arteta revealed that he has not been aware of the response to his side’s controversial celebrations after beating Liverpool 3-1
Arteta’s own actions were criticised too, with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones claiming he was ‘stealing’ Jurgen Klopp’s own celebration
‘No because they told me today,’ he said, when asked whether he was surprised by the response. ‘I didn’t know anything about it.
‘No but I love it. I’ve seen managers at the Emirates away on their knees, personally I love it because it brings a passion to the game. When it’s done in a natural and unique way.’
When asked whether there was any correlation between immaturity and over-celebration, Arteta disagreed strongly, stating: ‘I think the answer would be a big no because I have experienced it.
‘I’m not saying there isn’t, but in my experience there isn’t (any correlation). I’ve seen how to celebrate.’
The Spanish boss also admitted that while Bukayo Saka was looking likely to feature again this weekend after being an injury doubt, it was still too soon for Thomas Partey, who has suffered another injury setback.
When asked whether he felt his side were treated unfairly in the fallout of their impressive win at the weekend, Arteta claimed that he had only heard ‘positive’ things.
‘I don’t agree with that. In my life what I’ve heard in the last five days it’s all positive.
‘Do you want to hear the negative part or the positive part? I think it was positive. Every time I walk in the street it’s lots of pride. I don’t have that impression at all.’
Arsenal will take on West Ham this weekend, with the Hammers winning the game in north London, and Arteta was full of praise for his former boss.
The Gunners boss spent six years at Goodison Park as a player before joining Arsenal and hailed David Moyes’ ability to ‘get the most out of his team’ ahead of their clash this weekend.
