Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has sided with rivals Arsenal after they were intensely criticised for how they celebrated last Sunday’s win over Liverpool.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard handed the Gunners a vital 3-1 win over the Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium, cutting the gap between the sides to just two points.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his players basked in the glory post-match, with captain Martin Odegaard notably parading around with a photographer’s camera, but the manner of their celebrations were criticised by Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
But the Gunners have the support of Spurs boss Postecoglou, who is not interested in downplaying celebrations.
When asked if teams should be allowed to enjoy wins without fear of the ‘celebration police’, the Spurs boss replied: “Yeah, I think that’s why we do what we do.
“I guess we’re running out of things to talk about if we’re talking about that stuff. It’s of no interest to me. I think people should be happy when things go well and sad when not because that’s what life’s about.”
Postecoglou’s arrival at Spurs coincided with the club’s effort to improve the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A trumpet plays ‘Oh when the Spurs go marching in’ pre-match, while many supporters remain in their seats after wins to celebrate and show appreciation for the players and Postecoglou himself. The Greek-Australian has since heralded the stadium as a ‘nightclub’.
Arteta, meanwhile, was also given the opportunity to defend himself and his players ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Ham United.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” Arteta said when asked about criticisms from the ‘celebration police’.
“No but I love it. I’ve seen managers at the Emirates away on their knees, personally I love it because it brings a passion to the game. When it’s done in a natural and unique way.”
