PICTURE PERFECT
Arteta won’t stop wild Gunners cellies
MIKEL ARTETA has rejected calls to curb Arsenal celebrations, insisting that would kill their joy of football.
The snipers were out in force again after last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool, accusing the Gunners boss and his players of going over the top with their wild response to the crunch victory.
But anybody thinking Arteta’s troops might be a little more subdued tomorrow afternoon, should they beat West Ham for the first time in four attempts, they can forget it.
Arteta, 41, said: “I didn’t know anything about this criticism until now. But I love it . I’ve seen managers at the Emirates, away from home, on their knees inside the pitch. I’ve seen very big managers going across the touchline in the Premier League.
“I love it because it brings such a passion and emotion to the game when it’s done in a natural and unique way. It’s great.”
Inaddi- tion to Arteta going crazy with fans behind the dug out and along the touchline last weekend, Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard also upset observers by taking pictures of the club photographer on the pitch.
Arteta said: “That’s because they have a relationship that comes from every day at the training ground!
“People are entitled to have their opinions. Some of them positive, some not so positive. Our job is to accept all of that and then behave the way we think is the right way.”
David Moyes is unlikely to match his enthusiasm even if his Hammers pull off a derby win.
The West Ham boss joked: “Did he learn that from me? It changes with age and experience. I’ve tried to settle down. I’d watch Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger sit calmly, coming off the bench every now and again to give the odd instruction, and I wanted to be like them.
“You have to find a way to show humility and respect but there’ll be moments in your career.”