Arteta and Odegaard criticized for excessive celebration.

Manager Mikel Arteta and captain Martin Odegaard faced criticism for their excessive celebration after Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the 23rd round of the Premier League.

At the Emirates Stadium on February 4th, Arsenal had the edge and beat Liverpool 3-1 thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard. After Trossard sealed the victory in the second minute of added time, Arteta couldn't contain his emotions, constantly running and jumping excitedly on the touchline.

On beIN Sports , Jason McAteer, a Liverpool player from 1995-1999, sparked a debate with his sarcastic remark, "Did Arsenal just win the league?".

Manager Arteta was thrilled after Trossard sealed a 3-1 victory for Arsenal against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the 23rd round of the Premier League on February 4th. Photo: Premier League — Manager Arteta was thrilled after Trossard sealed a 3-1 victory for Arsenal against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the 23rd round of the Premier League on February 4th. Photo: *Premier League*

Presenter Richard Keys agreed, saying: "I understand today's victory is something Arsenal should be happy about; they beat a big opponent to get back into the title race. But I wish Arteta had behaved better. He's reverted to how he behaved last year, before his emotions were affected by 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 stated.

Not only Arteta, but Odegaard also faced criticism for his reactions after the win against Liverpool. The Norwegian midfielder was seen laughing and joking and taking photos of Stuart Macfarlane, Arsenal's photographer.

On Sky Sports , former Arsenal player Gael Clichy commented: "I remember being photographed, not taking pictures of other people. Have a good night."

Football legend Jamie Carragher then commented angrily: "Go down the tunnel. You've 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 photograph Arsenal's own photographer after the match. Photo: AFP — Odegaard borrowed Stuart Macfarlane's camera to photograph Arsenal's own photographer after the match. Photo: *AFP*

Later, on social media platform X, the former Liverpool defender reposted the video of Odegaard taking a photo of Macfarlane and wrote: "Enjoy the victory, but enjoy it with discipline."

Arsenal fan and commentator Piers Morgan also shared the video with a laughing-with-tears 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 and wrote, "Your pain only adds to our fun."

Odegaard also responded to these criticisms by saying that celebrating victories and showing emotion is part of football. "If you're not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, then when will you be allowed to celebrate?" the 25-year-old midfielder questioned. "Arsenal are happy with the win and will always remain 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 taken with MacFarlane, the Arsenal captain added: "He's a huge fan of the team, with a big heart for the club. He's been with the team for a very long time. I think it was a great moment for him to have a nice memory."

Hong Duy

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