Pep Guardiola has defended his Manchester City players against Wayne Rooney’s “stupid” criticism of their post-game celebrations after Sunday’s win over Arsenal.
City will go to Burnley on Wednesday night with the chance to move top of the Premier League after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in what was essentially a “must-win” game to maintain themselves in the championship race, Reported By Independent News.
Exciting scenes erupted after the last whistle, with Gianluigi Donnarumma leaping into the fans behind his goal and supporters unfurling a banner reading ‘Panic on the streets of London’, paraphrasing The Smiths, as Arsenal felt the strain.
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Erling Haaland, who scored the winning goal, removed his shirt before doing the now-customary post-match lap of celebration.
On Match of the Day, former England captain Wayne Rooney described the events as “a little bit over the top,” adding it was “premature and might come back to bite them,” while Danny Murphy said the celebrations “looked a bit excessive, like they had already won.”
Guardiola dismissed City’s critics, stating, “People can say whatever stupid things they want.” They rejoiced because they understand the significance of their opponent. They knew if we didn’t win, it was ‘bye bye’ (in the title chase).
“They won, and we’re still there. How could they not celebrate this? Respect the opponent and their followers, but celebrate in your own way. Waiting till the end of the season to celebrate? Come on. I told them, “Every game, go to our fans and enjoy the moment.” It makes no sense not to live it. Do you have to rejoice once if you win? And if you don’t win, do you always cry? Come on.
The celebration?
“Of course, we won’t celebrate in the middle of the week if we won 3-0 or 4-0 against various opponents. Everyone was familiar with that game. It was a finale. Particularly for us. Maybe not for them, but for us, it was the end, and of course you had to rejoice.”
Sunday’s victory has set up a potentially exciting conclusion to the season. If both City and Arsenal win their remaining games, the championship will be determined by goal difference, goals scored, or even head-to-head record, with City leading in the latter.
He admitted to feeling nervous after struggling to discover a winning recipe in the previous term.”Nervous was last season,” he explained. “Pressure occurred last season. As a manager, I could bring a club that isn’t in the Champions League. Even before Arsenal, I am more calm than I have ever been.
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