Odegaard responds Carragher says celebration was long overdue

Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, has responded to Jamie Carragher after the pundit attacked him for his celebration following a win over Liverpool. According to the captain, he said the celebration over Liverpool was long overdue.

Following the final whistle at the Emirates, Odegaard was caught on camera taking pictures of club photographer Stuart MacFarlane. However, Sky Sports pundit Carragher, a Liverpool veteran, claimed that the players should have gone down the tunnel immediately after the match ended, while co-pundit Gary Neville contended that it demonstrates the team’s “immaturity”.

Carragher later stated that his comments were a joke in response to Neil Warnock’s famous ‘go down the tunnel’ remarks. However, Odegaard during his post-match interview, disapproved of Carragher’s criticism, saying the celebration was needed.

“I think everyone who loves football, who understands football, they know how much it means to win this game. And if you’re not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to celebrate? We are happy with the win and we’ll stay humble. We keep working hard and we prepare for the next one but you have to be happy when you win.”

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard all scored to help Mikel Arteta’s squad win and move up to second position over Manchester City. After the final whistle, Arteta went down the touchline to celebrate. He then pumped his fists in the air, greeting the enthusiastic crowd.

After a difficult 2022–23 season, Arsenal are back in contention for the crown. With the victory, they are currently only two points behind leaders Liverpool. The Gunners will play West Ham on Sunday, February 11, as they attempt to firmly declare their title ambition against another formidable opponent.