Pep Guardiola bites back at Wayne Rooney over 'stupid' Arsenal celebrations verdict

Wayne Rooney has been speaking about Manchester City's celebrations after beating Arsenal in a huge match at the weekend with games running out in the title race

Pep Guardiola has bit back at Wayne Rooney after he labelled Manchester City's celebrations 'premature' and 'over the top' following their huge win over Arsenal.

City headed into Sunday's seismic encounter at The Etihad knowing that only a win would do with Arsenal six points ahead of them. And Guardiola's men managed to do just that with goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland earning them a priceless 2-1 victory to propel them back into within touching distance of Arsenal.

With City having a game in hand on their title rivals, they could now overtake the Gunners on goal difference with a win away at Burnley on Wednesday night.

Rooney brought up City's celebrations after the game with Gianluigi Donnarumma seen jumping into the crowd at the final whistle, pointing out that there were still plenty of games left in the title race.

READ MORE : Arsene Wenger issues new Premier League title prediction after Arsenal stumbleREAD MORE : Vincent Kompany selling £3.5m mansion with pool, games room and football pitch

But Guardiola says people can say "whatever stupid things they like" and that Manchester City's celebrations were completely justified given the quality of their opponents and the magnitude of the game.

"When I’m on the sidelines and seeing how Arsenal is playing, I give give incredible credit. They are a top team, a contender to win the Champions League and top of the Premier League. I see that game and we had to sweat and fight to beat them because they have everything. So so competitive, their mentality and many, many things that they do well. They play short, they play well," he said.

"They play long ball, they win the second ball. Set-pieces. It’s a nightmare. I give a lot of credit to compete with them and against them and the last two times beat them. I give a lot of credit to these players, they know it and feel it."

Referencing Rooney's comments, he continued: "People can say whatever stupid things they want to say - they celebrated because they know the value of the opponent. They knew if we didn’t win it would be ‘bye bye’. They won and still we are there. How can they not celebrate it?

"As much as you respect the opponent and the fans of the opponent, celebrate however you want. Wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on. I said to them ‘every single game go to our fans’ and enjoy the moment. What sense is not to live it? You have to celebrate just once if you win? And if you don’t win you cry all the time? Come on.

"Of course we are not going to celebrate it in the middle of the week if we win 3-0 or 4-0 and the opponent are different. Everybody knew that game. It was a final. Especially for us. Maybe not for them but for us it was a final and of course you have to celebrate it."

Click here to read article