Mikel Arteta breaks the internet with response to why so many Arsenal players' partners are pregnant right now

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave a brilliant response when asked by a journalist about several Gunners' players partners being pregnant at the moment.

The Gunners thrashed Crystal Palace 5-1 at Selhurst Park to ensure they stay in touch with Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the opening 15 minutes, though Ismaila Sarr had levelled for the Eagles inbetween the Brazilian's strikes.

Arsenal added their third before half-time through Kai Havertz, before Gabriel Martinelli netted on the hour mark and Declan Rice scored a fifth as full-time approached and complete the comprehensive victory for the North London side.

Arsenal are now three points behind leaders Liverpool, albeit Arne Slot's side have two games in hand on the Gunners, and one of which they play this afternoon when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on the road.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: "I’m very happy that we won, we needed that win, especially after the two draws but in general, looking at the 10 games, no defeats in the last seven.

"We’ve won five and gotten two draws, and we’ve deserved to win all of them so it’s good."

Arsenal are back in action next Friday when they host Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz. (Image: Getty)

After scoring against the Eagles, Germany international Havertz put the ball under his shirt and sucked his thumb as his celebration after it was revealed he and his partner are expecting a baby.

It is a common celebration for players to trot out when their partners are pregnant, and fellow goalscorer Gabriel Jesus did the same in midweek when he scored against Palace in Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final win.

It was a topic which cropped up in Arteta's post-match press conference as a journalist asked the Gunners boss about multiple partners in his squad being pregnant at the same time.

Arteta was asked: "I noticed in the week Gabriel Jesus celebrated his goal by the pregnancy thing. Kai Havertz has done the same today because his partner's pregnant and I hear that Martin Odegaard's wife is pregnant as well.

"Is there anything you need to teel us about what you're giving the players?"

Arteta responded by smiling and bursting out laughing, before promptly leaving the press conference and wishing the assembled journalists a happy festive period.

He said: "Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!"