09 February 2024 , 14:17
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Mikel Arteta has hit back at those suggesting Arsenal took their celebrations too far after Sunday's 3-1 win over title rivals Liverpool at the Emirates.
The Gunners boss was criticised for the way he responded to his side's third goal, which ended the tie as a contest. Deep into second-half stoppage time, Leandro Trossard scored to secure all three points, which inspired Arteta to sprint around his technical area while high-fiving nearby fans.
Things didn't stop there though, with the Arsenal players responding emotionally to the full-time whistle. Club captain Martin Odegaard also came in for criticism when the 25-year-old took a picture of a Gunners photographer in front of the jubilant home faithful.
Sky Sports punditry duo Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both questioned whether the Gunners had gone over the top, but Arteta has since responded during his press duties ahead of Sunday's tricky trip to London rivals West Ham.
Asked if he was aware of the scrutiny Arsenal's celebrations were subject to, Arteta admitted: "No because they told me today. I didn’t know anything about it.
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"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."
He was also pressed for comment on whether he deemed the coverage of his side was unfair, but Arteta was not in the mood to feel sorry for his Arsenal stars. The Spaniard added: "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."
HAVE YOUR SAY!Were Arsenal too emotional after the win over Liverpool? Comment below
Mikel Arteta was accused of 'overcelebrating' the recent win over LiverpoolThat sentiment is in stark contrast to the ones shared by Neville and Carragher. The latter took aim at Odegaard while on co-commentary duty, claiming: "Just get down the tunnel, you've won a game, it's three points.
"You've been brilliant, you're back in the title race. Get down the tunnel. I'm seriously, honestly."
Neville seemed to agree, suggesting the manner of Arsenal's celebrations represented the fact that Arteta's side were more relieved to have got the win over the line than anything else.
He added: "I think those celebrations weren’t of a team that can win a title, they’re of a team that thought they’d be out of the title race.
"That was the relief we saw at the end - I think Arsenal were a better team tonight but I actually think Liverpool are a lot more ruthless than this Arsenal side, they’re more ruthless in the final third and that could cost them in the end."
As things stand, the thrilling win over Liverpool means the Gunners are just two points behind Jurgen Klopp's side. Arsenal currently sit third, level on points with reigning champions Manchester City, but having played one game more.
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