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Arsenal true feelings on celebrations that prompted Jamie Carragher fury after Liverpool game

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard
-Credit: (Image: Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)


Liverpool take on Arsenal on Sunday in the first meeting between the two Premier League title-chasers since Jamie Carragher was left fuming after last season's defeat. The Gunners sit third in the table, behind Manchester City and the Reds with another tense campaign in the offing.

Pep Guardiola's side will be top of the league ahead of the showdown with Arne Slot facing one of his toughest tests since replacing Jurgen Klopp. But it was in this fixture in February that made the headlines after the North London club won 3-1.

While a Gabriel own-goal cancelled out Bukayo Saka's opener after 14 minutes, a defensive mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk handed the hosts the advantage with Gabriel Martinelli capitalising on the error. Ibrahima Konate was sent off for Liverpool late on, by Anthony Taylor who is in the middle again on Sunday, and Leandro Trossard rounded off the scoring late on.

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Arsenal were overjoyed after the win sparking wild scenes at the Emirates Stadium. During the celebrations, captain Martin Odegaard took over the photography duties from Gunners cameraman Stuart MacFarlane in front of the main stand in N7.

The incident irked Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher who lamented the display. He said: "Arsenal deserved the win, Liverpool were so far off.

"They played poorly, it’s not something we’ve seen of them of late. They’ve got three or four matches until they play Manchester City – that’ll be a massive test of their nerve now.

"Just get down the tunnel! You’ve won a big game, you’ve got the three points, you’re back in the title race, just get down the tunnel. I’m being serious, honestly."

The Norwegian replied to the criticism, showing Arsenal's true feelings on the incident. He said: "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. I think everyone who loves football, who understands football, they know how much it means to win this game.

"We keep working hard and we prepare for the next one, but of course you have to be happy when you win. It was a massive game.

"It could have been eight points [the gap to Liverpool if Arsenal lost] and it would look a lot more difficult then, but we showed up, and the fans were unbelievable."

"I think we all did this together. You see the club, how together we are, all the players, staff, supporters, everything. So yeah, brilliant to see."

Slot will be hoping to continue his brilliant start to life in the Anfield dugout after winning seven of his opening eight Premier League matches, with the only blemish coming in the 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.