Wayne Rooney has spoken out about Manchester City’s celebrations after defeating Arsenal in the weekend’s big game with only a few games left in the title race.
Josep Guardiola speaks out after Wayne Rooney branded Manchester City’s post-Arsenal celebrations ‘over the top’ (Image: Haters TV)
Manager Josep Guardiola has hit out at Wayne Rooney after he labeled the club’s celebrations “premature” and “overdone” after Manchester City’s big win over Arsenal.
City went into Sunday’s shock encounter at the Etihad knowing that only a win would give Arsenal a six-point lead. And Guardiola’s side did just that, with goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, securing a precious 2-1 win and moving them within striking distance of Arsenal.
City have a game in hand against their title rivals and could overtake the Gunners on goal difference if they win away at Burnley on Wednesday night.
Rooney brought up City’s celebrations after the match, which saw Gianluigi Donnarumma jump into the crowd at the final whistle, and pointed out there were still plenty of games left in the title race.
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But Guardiola said people could “say as stupid things as they like” and that Manchester City’s celebrations were completely justified given the quality of the opposition and the size of the match.
“When I watch Arsenal play on the sidelines, I give them incredible admiration. They are a top team, they are favorites to win the Champions League and they are top of the Premier League. I watched that game and they had everything. So we had to fight hard to beat them. Very competitive, their mentality and a lot of things they do well. They play short, but they play well.
“They play long balls, they take second balls. Set pieces. It’s a nightmare. I give a lot of credit to these guys for competing, competing with them and beating them the last two times. I give a lot of credit to these players. They know it, they feel it.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma was in the midst of celebrations after the match (Image: Getty Images)
Referring to Rooney’s comments, he continued, “People can say all the stupid things they want to say. They celebrated because they know the value of the other side. They knew if we didn’t win it would be ‘bye-bye.’ They won and we’re still there. Why don’t they celebrate that?”
“Celebrate however you like, as much as you respect your opponents and your opponent’s fans. Wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on. I told them, ‘Every game goes for the fans,’ and enjoy the moment. What do you mean not to live it? If you win, do you have to celebrate just once? And if you don’t win, cry all the time? Come on.
“Of course, if you’re winning 3-0 or 4-0 and you’re against a different opponent, you’re not going to celebrate in the middle of the week. We all knew that game. It was the final. Especially for us. Maybe not for them, but for us it was the final, so of course we have to celebrate.”
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