- Manchester City currently sit 1st in the Premier League, level on 70 points with Arsenal but leading by three goals scored (66 vs 63) after both teams played 33 games.
- Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney labelled City’s celebrations after their 2-1 win over Arsenal as “premature” and “over the top.”
- Guardiola dismissed the criticism as “stupid things,” defending his players’ right to celebrate a victory in a match he categorised as a “final.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at criticism issued by Wayne Rooney over the club’s post-match celebrations following the 2-1 win over Arsenal.
The mammoth clash at the Etihad Stadium in mid-April saw City secure a vital three points thanks to goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland either side of the half-time interval.
And Manchester City’s victory was followed by exuberant scenes from both players and supporters, perhaps most notably from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as the Italian leapt into the home crowd behind his goal.
Wayne Rooney, appearing on Match of the Day, suggested the celebrations felt like the league had already been won, despite Arsenal remaining level on points at the summit.
However, with Manchester City following up that result with a midweek victory at Burnley, Pep Guardiola has made it clear that emotional releases are necessary when facing an opponent of Arsenal’s calibre.
“Celebrate whatever you want”: Guardiola defends Etihad scenes
Guardiola issued a clear response to the former Manchester United striker and now pundit, simultaneously piling on the praise for Arsenal and the standards the Gunners have set throughout the season, establishing themselves as a true force in England and in Europe.
“When I am on the sideline and see Arsenal playing, I give incredible credit that we are there. It’s a top team, it’s a contender to win the Champions League, it’s the top of the league, and I see that game there; you have to sweat, sweat, fight a lot to beat them, because they have everything! They are so, so competitive, their mentality, and many, many good things they do really well,” said Guardiola.
“When they play short, they play well. When they play a long ball, they win the long ball, the second ball, set-pieces it’s a nightmare. So that’s why I give a lot of credit to compete with them, against them, and the last two times beat them. I give a lot of credit to these players, a lot. They know it, they feel it,” he continued.
Offering his thoughts on Manchester City’s post-match celebrations, Guardiola said, “And when they celebrated, and even the people can say whatever, stupid things they want to say. We celebrate because we know the value of the opponent and we know that if we don’t win, we are: bye bye! If we win, still we are still there. How can we not celebrate it?!
“As much as you respect the opponent, and the fans of the opponent, celebrate whatever you want. I have to wait until the end of the season to celebrate or celebrate?! Come on. Every single game, go to our fans and enjoy the moment. What sense is not life?
“You have to celebrate just once if you win, and if you don’t win you have to cry all the time? Come on. Of course when you go and celebrate in the middle of the week, you win 3 or 4-0 and the opponent is different.
“But everybody knew that game was a final, especially for us. For them, not much, but for us it was a final. Of course you have to celebrate it!”
Wembley awaits as domestic Treble comes into view
The psychological warfare between Manchester’s red and blue halves comes at a critical juncture, and while Rooney questions the timing of the festivities, City’s momentum has seen them displace Arsenal at the top of the table on goals scored.
With only five games remaining for both teams, including a tricky away trip to Everton for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola is determined to keep his players’ spirits high despite the obvious pressure that comes with chasing the top-flight crown.
As well as the importance of mental strength, City will also need to keep their squad at its strongest, as they work tirelessly to recover the likes of Rodri and Ruben Dias from their respective muscular issues.
