"I haven't seen it" - Arteta on goal celebrations directed at Haaland

Arsenal players were hungry for revenge against Manchester City after the Cityzens rescued a late draw against the Gunners when they met in the Premier League last September. In addition, one of the protagonists of the match was Erling Haland, who had several clashes with Arsenal players and even advised Arteta at the end of the game to ‘stay humble’.

The Gunners players seem not to have forgotten the Norwegian's attitude and in their thrashing of Manchester City on Sunday they laughed at him. Magalhaes celebrated in the Sky Blues striker's face after Odegaard's early opener and Lewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland's meditative celebration when he added a third. The Gunners boss was asked about this in a post-match press conference.

Arteta appeared unimpressed by his players' antics, saying: "I haven't seen it. There is nothing I want to disclose about that. The players know my views on that. We have to focus on us." Arteta had no reason to dwell on that controversy as he bathed in the pride of a statement victory.

The second-placed Gunners are back within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, signalling their determination to keep the pressure on Arne Slot's team, who have a game in hand.

"Maybe at the end a little more than usual," Arteta said of his satisfaction. "It's a great day, for the result, the way we have done it and especially against a team of that quality, with the necessity that we had to win the game."

"What I like is the attitude. To create the unbelievable energy we had in this stadium. The players can believe we can compete against anybody if we play at that level."

 

February 3, 2025