Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta highlighted the “passion and emotion” that fuels football to explain his jubilation after last weekend’s victory against leaders Liverpool, a celebration criticized and even mocked in England .
The Spanish technician launched into a fiery race after Arsenal’s last goal against Liverpool (3-1) on Sunday at home. His captain Martin Odegaard also made a name for himself by grabbing a photographer’s camera to immortalize the post-victory, images that were highly commented on in the Premier League.
These celebrations were seen as excessive after just one victory, as important as it was in the title race for Arsenal, third, two points behind leader Liverpool after the 23rd day.
“I love that. I saw coaches on their knees at the Emirates, on the pitch,” Arteta defended at a press conference, two days before a short trip to West Ham on Sunday (3:00 p.m.). “I’ve seen some really great coaches come onto the pitch, I’ve seen managers come across the touchline. I saw all that in the Premier League.
“Personally I love it because it brings a lot of passion and emotion to the game,” added the Spaniard. “When it’s done in a natural and unique way, it’s great in my opinion. This is my opinion and many people may have a very different view from mine.
The comments linked to the celebrations do not diminish the joy surrounding Arsenal and its supporters, assures the boss of the Gunners.
“I think there’s been a lot of positive feedback, and maybe a little bit of criticism; if you focus on that, that’s all you see. When I walk down the street, what comes out is pride and lots of compliments for what we have done,” he insisted.
