Martin Odegaard fires back at Jamie Carragher in row over Arsenal celebrations vs Liverpool

Martin Odegaard has passionately defended Arsenal's post-match celebrations following Sunday's crucial win over Premier League title rivals Liverpool.

A number of high-profile pundits, including Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville, criticised Mikel Arteta's side for their reaction to the 3-1 victory over league leaders Liverpool.

After goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sealed all three points, Arteta celebrated with those inside the Emirates after the final whistle.

And moments later, Martin Odegaard enjoyed a wholesome moment with club photographer and lifelong Arsenal fan Stuart MacFarlane, taking pictures of him celebrating in front of the North Bank stand.

Jamie Carragher, however, criticised the Norwegian midfielder for his post-match celebrations.

"Just get down the tunnel, you've won a game, it's three points," he said on Sky Sports. "You've been brilliant, they're back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I'm serious, honestly."

Gary Neville, who was also on punditry duty for Sunday's game, added there was "a little bit of immaturity in their celebrations" but Odegaard has since come out and defended the scenes.

He told reporters: "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’re happy with the win and we’ll stay humble. We keep working hard and we prepare for the next one but of course you have to be happy when you win. It was a massive game."

Odegaard added: "It could have been eight points [behind] and it would look a lot more difficult then but we showed up, the fans were unbelievable.

"I think we all did this together. You see the club, how together we are, all the players, staff, supporters, everything. So yeah, brilliant to see."

Arsenal club photographer Stuart MacFarlane celebrating the win with Martin Odegaard 📸😂

pic.twitter.com/kzDqYOLsHK

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 4, 2024

Ian Wright also reacted to the negative reaction to Arsenal's celebrations with a message of his own.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, after the full-time whistle, he said: "The negativity towards my manager man, what has he done apart from celebrating a goal and celebrating his team?

"Celebrating a team that is trying to beat these juggernauts, Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League.

"And because he's celebrating? Because Martin Odegaard is taking a picture with Stuart the photographer? A lifelong Gunner.

"This man [Stuart the photographer] has been supporting Arsenal since he was five or something ridiculous like that.

"Just taking a picture in front of the north bank, what's wrong with the captain [Martin Odegaard] doing that?

"It's got nothing to do with the fact that we've just beaten Liverpool, that's just an opportunity. Why is everybody trying to kill the joy? Don't kill the joy.

"There's so much of the season to go. As soon as Arsenal do anything they just come under a pile-on. It's like we can't have any joy."

Enjoy it!!!! pic.twitter.com/clvzv8YPVi

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) February 4, 2024

Wright added: "It's like England at a World Cup or a Euros, as soon as England start doing well everyone is jumping on them!

"It's the same thing that happens with Arsenal. Don't let them spoil the joy. Keep doing what you're doing. Whatever is going to be will be. Do not kill the joy.

"My manager, celebrate with passion like you do, because that's what it's about.

"People are expecting us to bottle it and lose these games and we're going through it, we're getting ourselves through, through injuries and everything, and the hatred is just so intense.

"Just leave us alone. You lot can take the p**s if it doesn't happen like you normally do. Leave us alone in the joy.

"Enjoy Arsenal fans! Enjoy our moments! Because that's all this game is: moments. And we had one tonight, we beat the great Liverpool who are top of the league. Up the Gunners!"