Mikel Arteta has revealed he had no idea about the response to his team’s controversial celebrations following their 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend.
The Gunners beat their Premier League title rivals in a brilliant match at the Emirates, thanks to stoppage-time goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
However, after the final whistle, his team was seen celebrating loudly on the pitch given the pressure on the game which had huge ramifications at the top of the table.
Jamie Carragher openly criticized the scenes, particularly when captain Martin Odegaard took pictures of the club photographer, and Arteta’s own celebrations also divided opinion.
Arteta, however, admitted he was unaware of the discourse on the issue following Sunday’s victory, before stating that he “loves” seeing the coaches celebrating on the touchline.
Mikel Arteta revealed that he has not been aware of the response to his team’s controversial celebrations after beating Liverpool 3-1
Arteta’s own actions were also criticized, with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones claiming he was “stealing” Jurgen Klopp’s own celebration.
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“No, because they told me today,” he said when asked if he was surprised by the response. ‘I didn’t know anything about it.
‘No, but I love it. I’ve seen Emirates coaches on their knees, I personally love it because it brings passion to the game. When it is done in a natural and unique way.’
When asked if there was any correlation between immaturity and excessive celebration, Arteta disagreed, stating: “I think the answer would be a big no because I’ve experienced it.”
‘I’m not saying there isn’t, but in my experience there isn’t (no correlation). I’ve seen how to celebrate it.
The Spanish manager also admitted that while Bukayo Saka looked likely to feature again this weekend after having injury doubts, it was still too early for Thomas Partey, who suffered another injury setback.
Asked if he felt his team had been treated unfairly following their impressive victory at the weekend, Arteta claimed he had only heard “positive” things.
‘I do not agree with that. In my life, what I have heard in the last five days is all positive.
‘Do you want to hear the negative part or the positive part? I think it was positive. Every time I walk down the street it is with great pride. I don’t have that impression at all.
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