Coach Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal after criticism the team received for the way they celebrated qualifying for the Champions League final, their first in 20 years.
The Gunners secured a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain, to be played in Budapest on May 30, after defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final, ending the match 2-1 on aggregate.
With this performance, Arsenal also equaled the club record for the most wins in a season (41 in all competitions), a figure that had previously been achieved in the 1970/71 season, when the club won the championship and the FA Cup.
The victory, which also saw Arsenal set the longest unbeaten run in their history in the European Cup/Champions League (14 matches), brought fiery scenes at the Emirates, with players and Arteta celebrating on the pitch.
However, Arsenal were criticised by some, with Wayne Rooney the most vocal, who said the celebrations were “a bit excessive”, given that the trophy has not yet been won.
“I didn’t know about that, but we have to respect every opinion and put it where it belongs. It’s not important,” Arteta declared when asked about his reaction.
“I’m assuming that criticism is positive and negative. It makes you better. You want to set higher standards and perform at levels that help you compete for the two most prestigious competitions in Europe.
You have to be prepared for this, because it makes you better, that’s for sure.”
Meanwhile, with the Champions League final at the end of the month, Arsenal shift their focus to the Premier League title race, where they face a trip to West Ham on Sunday.
