Mikel Arteta admits ‘I don’t know’ if Arsenal will change how they celebrate at home to Newcastle United having infuriated Jamie Carragher when they beat Liverpool 3-1.
The Gunners took a crucial victory in the Premier League title race earlier this month against Jurgen Klopp’s table-toppers. Goals by Gabriel Martinelli (67’) and Leandro Trossard (90’+1) got the points after Gabriel Magalhaes’ own goal (45’+2) overturned Bukayo Saka’s (14’) hit.
Beating the Reds moved Arsenal to within two points of Liverpool, although the margin now sits at five points. The Anfield outfit have played an extra game than the Gunners after a 4-1 win over Luton Town this Wednesday night. Arsenal host Newcastle next this Saturday night.
Odegaard led Arsenal’s celebrations that infuriated Carragher vs Liverpool
Arsenal have a strong record at home to Newcastle in the Premier League, having not tasted a defeat since November 2010. The Gunners have also won 10 of their past 11 encounters at Emirates Stadium. But Newcastle controversially beat Arsenal when the sides met this term.
Anthony Gordon’s goal survived several VAR checks for the ball potentially going out of play before Joe Willock crossed into Joelinton, who pushed Gabriel in the back of his neck. While Gordon was also potentially offside after the ball hit Joelinton’s arm to drop for the forward.
Arsenal beating Newcastle after the events at St James’ Park in November might invoke the same sort of strong celebrations captain Martin Odegaard led against Liverpool. The skipper relished the result with club photographer, Stuart MacFarlane, much to Carragher’s dismay.
Arteta discusses how Arsenal may celebrate a possible win over Newcastle
Carragher cried over Odegaard celebrating beating his former side, Liverpool, with Arsenal’s club photographer. The ex-Reds centre-half was a part of Sky Sports’ commentary team for the match and could not hide his disdain straight after the full-time whistle in north London.
“Just get down the tunnel,” Carragher said. “You’ve won a game, three points. They’ve been brilliant [and are] back in the title race… Get down the tunnel. I’m serious, honestly.”
Arteta has now discussed if Arsenal might repeat the sort of celebrations Odegaard led after beating Liverpool that infuriated Carragher if they beat Newcastle on Saturday. A win would take the gap at the top of the table back to two points, with Manchester City also in the mix.
“I don’t know if that’ll be outside or inside the dressing room,” Arteta joked at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “But let’s win first.”
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