Mikel Arteta has hit back at Arsenal's celebration police but insisted the title will not be wrapped up even if they beat West Ham. Former England captain Wayne Rooney was highly critical of the way Arsenal celebrated after their Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Rooney said on Amazon Prime: "They deserve to be in this position, but they haven't won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win."
Arsenal are on a high after reaching the Champions League final and can take a huge step towards winning the title if they win at West Ham on Sunday. It was little wonder Arsenal's players toasted their success after the Atletico Madrid win as the fans also gave them a huge standing ovation as they reached the club's first Champions League final in 20 years.
Arteta insisted he was not even aware of the backlash against the celebrations and suggested TV pundits should stick their criticism. The Gunners boss said: "First of all, I didn't know about it but I don't know. I think you have to respect every opinion and place them where they belong."
Arteta was then asked where those opinions should be placed and added: "Where they belong. I don't know, that's not important."
But Arteta has been quick to dismiss the notion that if Arsenal win at West Ham then they will have wrapped up the title after Manchester City's slip at Everton on Monday night. City entertain Brentford on Saturday tea time.
Arteta added: "I don't know where that theory is coming from. If, again, it is not enough, we have to be there, and we have to be better than the opponent and win the game, and if we do that, we will be closer, that's for sure."
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry claimed Arteta's men would become the "Unforgettable" to rival the Invincibles of 2004 who won the title while going through the whole season unbeaten. But Arteta added: "Again, it would be great, but it is an 'if' and there is still so much to do."
