Izuchukwu OkosiArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hit back at criticism of the celebrations that followed his team’s dramatic comeback against Bournemouth last Saturday (March 4).
Most critics have had things to say about the joyous scenes that greet most Arsenal games after they secured victories albeit such reactions have not been channelled to teams like Manchester City who celebrated their narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 11.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Football Association investigated the aftermath of Reiss Nelson’s 97th-minute winner, after which members of Arsenal’s bench cascaded onto the Emirates pitch to celebrate with the players, but opted not to take the matter further.
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Ahead of the Gunners’ Sunday meeting against fellow London side, Fulham, Arteta addressed the media, in his pre-match news conference where he talked about the scrutiny on his team.
“NONE… If you win in football you celebrate, ” the former Manchester City assistant coach under Pep Guardiola said.
Asked if he was surprised at the FA’s probe, he continued: “Well, [if] you want passion and emotion there is nothing better than scoring goals and winning football matches. So if not, you go to church. For sure, I won’t be telling the players not to celebrate on Sunday.”
Arteta would not fully rule out a return for Gabriel Jesus at Craven Cottage. The forward is back in training after three months out with a knee injury.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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