'I love it!' - Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal's 'passionate' celebrations after Jamie Carragher slammed Martin Odegaard's antics

Arteta defended the right of his players to let out their passion in big moments, after Odegaard had celebrated with a photographer, borrowing his camera to take pictures, following the final whistle of last Sunday's 3-1 win over Premier League title rivals Liverpool.

Arteta said to reporters: "I didn't know anything about it. But I love it - I've seen [away] managers at the Emirates on their knees, on the pitch. I've seen very big managers walking onto the pitch, I've seen managers going across the touchline. I've seen that all in the Premier League. Personally, I love it because it brings such passion and emotion to the game. When it's done in a natural and unique way, I think it's great. It’s my opinion and a lot of people may have something very different to mine."

Odegaard was subjected to criticism for his antics, prompting Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher to tell him to "get down the tunnel". The ex-Liverpool defender later clarified it was a joke referencing a Neil Warnock line, although he also took aim at those who defended the Arsenal skipper. Odegaard himself also said post-match: "If you're not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to?"

Thanks to the win over Liverpool, Arsenal trail the Premier League leaders by just two points going into the weekend's fixtures. But that victory would be rendered fairly meaningless if they don't follow it up with further wins over West Ham and then Burnley to keep the pressure on over the next week. After that, Champions League football returns with the away first leg of a last 16 tie with Porto on February 21.