‘Honestly…’: West Ham star now gives verdict on Arsenal celebration controversy

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Arsenal are set to take on West Ham United on Sunday, in what will be their first game since an impressive victory over Liverpool last week.

Mikel Arteta’s side were utterly dominant as they beat the league leaders 3-1 to claw their way back into the Premier League title race, but the post-match reaction has strangely centered on Arsenal’s celebrations rather than their performance.

Jamie Carragher caused a storm when he criticised the Gunners and captain Martin Odegaard for the way they celebrated the victory, and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones remarkably claimed that Arsenal were trying to copy his side.

Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to face David Moyes’ side, who are now winless in six since a shock victory at the Emirates in December, West Ham striker Michail Antonio has now weighed in on the controversy surrounding Arsenal.

Michail Antonio defends Arsenal for celebrations

Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio claimed that the nature of the game, as well as the significance of the result, justified Arsenal’s celebrations in the moment.

“It was a massive win for them (Arsenal),” said Antonio. “I feel like they can celebrate because of how big the win was and how important it was for them,” he stated.

“But, what people are saying is imagine they do that big celebration now and then they lose against us (West Ham) this weekend or they draw.

“Villa could go on the same exact points as them if they lose this weekend and Villa win. People are saying they could celebrate like that and then the following week it could be a complete turnaround.

“I honestly feel like it was such an important game for them – the celebration wasn’t that bad for me.”

Antonio is right about Arsenal celebrating

In the days since the victory at the Emirates, what should have been a minor issue has now become a storm, with Arsenal now criticised for something most teams, and especially Liverpool, regularly do.

Antonio is perhaps right not to criticise Arsenal just before his side have to face them, with Arteta’s team now firing after suffering a mid-season dip in form when the Hammers won at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s win over Liverpool was huge in terms of points as well as confidence, and if Arsenal now go on to beat West Ham for the first time in four attempts, then they will back themselves to go on a winning run to remain close to Manchester City and Liverpool at the top end of the league.