Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has strongly defended his players’ post-match reactions following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, dismissing criticism from former professionals Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy as “stupid.”
Appearing on the BBC, Rooney and Murphy suggested that City’s celebrations at the final whistle were excessive in nature. The scenes in question featured goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma leaping into the crowd and captain Bernardo Silva rallying supporters inside the Etihad.
Gguardiola was unequivocal in his response. “People can say whatever stupid things they want,” the City manager stated. “They celebrated because they knew if we didn’t win, it would be ‘bye-bye’ for the title. They won, and we are still there. How can they not celebrate it?”
He expanded on the point, adding: “As much as you respect the opponent and their fans, celebrate however you want. Should we wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on.”
The Spanish coach, who is known for encouraging his squad to engage with supporters after matches and regularly joins them on a post-match lap of the pitch, framed the occasion as one of significant pressure. “I said to them every game, ‘Go to our supporters’ and enjoy the moment,” he explained. “For us, it was a final and, of course, you have to celebrate it.”
The victory over Arsenal carried considerable weight in the context of the Premier League title race. The result dealt a blow to the Gunners’ championship ambitions, with the defeat opening the door for City to close the gap at the top of the table. A subsequent win against Burnley on Wednesday brought Guardiola’s side level on points with Arsenal, with goal difference now separating the two clubs.
Despite the improved standing, Guardiola was measured when assessing City’s title prospects ahead of the run-in, previously noting that Arsenal remain in a stronger position overall. The two clubs are now locked in what has become one of the most tightly contested Premier League title races in recent seasons, with each remaining fixture carrying increased significance for both sides.
City’s ability to remain in contention deep into April — particularly given the squad injuries and inconsistency that disrupted much of their campaign — adds further context to why the dressing room reacted as it did at full time on Sunday.
