Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal over-celebrate victories as “nonsense” ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday.
The Gunners are set to face the defending champions at the Etihad, and with just one point separating the two sides and Liverpool, the match holds significant implications for the title race.
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Arsenal previously secured a crucial 3-1 win over Liverpool in February at the Emirates. During that match, manager Mikel Arteta drew attention for his exuberant celebration of the team’s second goal, sprinting down the touchline.
Additionally, Martin Odegaard faced criticism for assuming club photography duties after the final whistle.
While this isn’t the first time Arsenal has been accused of over-celebrating wins, Guardiola emphasized that he has no issue with how his rivals choose to celebrate.
His stance takes a swipe at those who may find fault with such expressions of joy. The upcoming clash at the Etihad Stadium could potentially lead to similar scenes, depending on the outcome.
‘I don’t react to it,’ Guardiola told a press conference on Friday when he was asked about Arsenal and over-celebrating.
‘I don’t react to nonsense things. If you want to take a picture, take a picture. What is the problem? Honestly.’
Odegaard has enjoyed another influential campaign in north London with Guardiola lavishing praise on the Gunners skipper ahead of Sunday’s match.
‘He is doing incredibly well,’ Guardiola said.
‘I think it helped a lot when he played at Real Sociedad, they helped a lot and made him confident to make this step.
‘At Arsenal, he became captain, is very consistent playing every single game and become a really important player.’
