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‘I’ve seen top bosses on their knees on the pitch..i love it.. it brings passion and emotion to the game’ We won’t curb our victory celebrations vows Arteta

MIKEL ARTETA has rejected calls to curb Arsenal celebrations, vowing that no one will spoil their enjoyment of football.

The snipers were out in force after last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool, accusing the Gunners boss and his players of going over the top with their wild celebrations.

But anybody believing Arteta’s troops might be a little more subdued if they beat West Ham – for the first time in four attempts – tomorrow should think again.

As far as the Spaniard is concerned, they will listen to the pundits, take their views on board – and carry on celebrating (below). Arteta, 41, said: “I’ve seen managers at the

Emirates, away from home, on their knees on the pitch. I’ve seen big managers going across the touchline in the Premier League.

“I love it because it brings such a passion and emotion to the game.

“I think it’s great but other people may think something different.”

In addition to Arteta going crazy with fans behind the dugout and along the touchline last weekend, Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard also upset some observers by taking pictures of the club photographer on the Emirates pitch after the final whistle. Arteta explained: “That’s something that happens because they have a relationship that comes from what they do every day here at the training ground.

“People are entitled to have their opinions when you do something publicly. Some of them will be positive, some not so positive. Our job is to accept all of that and then behave the way you think is the right way to behave and make sure we don’t lose that.”

One of the biggest critics of Odegaard’s behaviour was Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who sniped: “You’ve won the game, you’ve got the points – get down the tunnel.”

Carragher’s fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also reckoned Arsenal’s celebrations were over the top.

“I think those celebrations weren’t of a team that can win a title, they’re of a team that thought they’d be out of the title race,” Neville said.

“That was relief we saw at the end. I think Arsenal were a better team tonight but I actually think Liverpool are a lot more ruthless than this Arsenal side, they’re more ruthless in the final third and that could cost them in the end.”

Last Sunday’s comprehensive victory moved Arsenal to within two points of leaders Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. They are level on points with second-placed Manchester City, who will go top if they beat Everton at lunchtime today.

Four of Arsenal’s next five games are away from home, starting with tomorrow’s trip to West Ham.

Next Saturday they visit relegation-threatened Burnley followed by a Champions League trip to Porto. They then host Newcastle before a visit to Sheffield United.

But the big date on the calendar is Sunday, March 31 - that day Arsenal travel to Manchester City for a game that could decide the winners of the title this season.