Joe Cole makes on-air apology to Arsenal fans after celebration comment

Joe Cole apologised to Arsenal fans while live on-air before their 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners restored their lead at the top of the Premier League back up to four points with the victory, which saw Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice get on the scoresheet.

They are ahead of second-placed Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola's side have two games in hand.

Despite that, the Gunners are doing what they need to do in the closing weeks to give themselves the best chance of lifting the title for the first time since 2004.

After Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium, ex-Blues winger Cole suggested that the post-match celebrations from the team was 'a bit too much'.

But having thought his comments through since then, the former England international decided to send an apology to Gunners supporters before the Bournemouth clash.

He said: "I didn't realise. I've got to apologise.

"Martin [Keown] gave me a bit of stick when they came and beat Chelsea, and I was a bit sore. That's not me.

"I don't want to be The Grinch. I was hearing fireworks, Arsenal fans celebrating, and I don't want to be that guy that stops the party.

"So bring your fireworks, bring your party poppers, enjoy it, take selfies, celebrate as much as you want. I'm sorry."

When asked by host Lynsey Hipgrave if the apology meant he was 'resigning from the celebration police', Cole laughed: "Yeah!"

Arsenal fans will now be watching on as City take on Wolves in the Saturday evening kick-off, knowing that a win for their rivals would put them back within touching distance of leading the Premier League.

And with just two and four games to go for the two sides, the race for the title could well go right down to the wire.