A former Premier League winner has explained why he was concerned with Arsenal’s behaviour following the Gunners’ emphatic 4-1 win over Spurs in Sunday’s north London derby.
Arsenal came into the match knowing a slip could prove costly in their pursuit of a first Premier League triumph since 2004, as Manchester City reduced the gap to two points with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad on Saturday (February 21).
On Sunday (February 22), summer signing Eberechi Eze, who previously scored a hat-trick against Spurs in the reverse fixture in November, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, but the home side hit back through Randal Kolo Muani just two minutes later.
However, following the half-time interval, Mikel Arteta’s side took just two minutes to go 2-1 up thanks to Viktor Gyokeres’ powerful long-range strike, which left Guglielmo Vicario with no chance.
Arsenal increased their lead 14 minutes later when Eze bagged another to register his fifth goal against Spurs in just two games this term. And in second-half stoppage time, Gyokeres rounded off an impressive performance by adding a fourth to make it 4-1 to Arsenal, which was a repeat of November’s scoreline.
The result saw Arsenal go five points clear of Man City, with the Gunners having played a game more, while Spurs remain 16th, just four points above the relegation zone.
Despite Arsenal having played one more game than City this term, they remain favourites to win the league with 10 fixtures remaining.
However, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has voiced his concerns about the Gunners’ behaviour despite the convincing win at Spurs.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton said: “Slightly concerned with the over celebrating from the Arsenal players. Celebrate at the end of the season when you have won the title.”
Of course, this is not the first time a pundit has taken this view, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticising the Gunners’ celebrations two seasons ago.
"Just get down the tunnel,” Carragher said in response to Arsenal’s celebrations after a 3-1 win over 10-man Liverpool during the 2023/24 campaign.
"You've won a game. You've been brilliant. Back in the title race. Get down the tunnel. I'm serious, honestly."
At the time, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard responded: “If you're not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to celebrate? We're happy with the win and we'll stay humble.”
Regardless of the pundits’ stance, one thing is for sure: there will be a party at the Emirates in May if Arteta’s side do go on to win the title.
The Gunners return to action at home against Chelsea on March 1.