Coach Mikel Arteta and captain midfielder Martin Odegaard were criticized for being overly happy after Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 in round 23 of the Premier League.
At the Emirates Stadium on February 4, Arsenal were slightly better and beat Liverpool 3-1 thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. After Trossard sealed the result in the second minute of stoppage time, Arteta could not contain his emotions, constantly running and jumping excitedly on the sidelines.
On beIN Sports , Jason McAteer, who played for Liverpool from 1995 to 1999, sparked a debate when he asked, "Did Arsenal just win the league?"
Coach Arteta was excited after Trossard sealed a 3-1 victory for Arsenal against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in round 23 of the Premier League on February 4. Photo: Premier League
Presenter Richard Keys agreed, saying: "I understand Arsenal should be happy with today's victory, they beat a big rival to get back into the title race. But I wish Arteta had behaved better. He has gone back to behaving like last year, before he calmed down because of the rule changes in the league."
Richard Keys also hinted that Liverpool were at fault for both goals conceded in the second half, and suggested that Arteta shouldn't be so excited. "When you're given two gifts. Show some dignity," the beIN Sports presenter said.
Not only Arteta, Odegaard was also criticized for his reaction after the win over Liverpool. The Norwegian midfielder laughed happily and took a photo of Stuart Macfarlane - Arsenal's photographer.
On Sky Sports , former Arsenal player Gael Clichy commented: "I remember being photographed, not taking photographs of other people. Good night."
Legendary footballer Jamie Carragher then angrily commented: "Go down the tunnel. You won a game, three points, brilliant. Get back in the title race, then go down the tunnel. I'm serious."
Odegaard borrowed Stuart Macfarlane's camera to take a photo of Arsenal's own photographer after the match. Photo: AFP
Later, on social network X, the former Liverpool defender cited the video of Odegaard taking a photo of Macfarlane and wrote: "Enjoy the victory, but enjoy it by being disciplined."
Commentator Piers Morgan - an Arsenal fan - also shared the video with a laughing teary-eyed emoji and the caption: "Calm down Carragher. We beat you and we're going to enjoy every moment."
Carragher replied: "I almost left the set." Morgan responded with a laughing emoji, writing: "Your pain only adds to our joy."
Odegaard also responded to these criticisms, saying that celebrating victories and showing emotions is part of football. "If you are not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to celebrate?", the 25-year-old midfielder questioned. "Arsenal are happy with the win and will always be humble. We continue to work hard and prepare for the next game, but of course you have to be happy when you win."
Regarding the photos with MacFarlane, the Arsenal captain added: "He's a huge fan of the team, has a big heart for the team. He's been with the team for a long time. I think it's a great moment for him to have a good memory."
Hong Duy
Source link
Comment (0)