Arteta Sends Message to Odegaard After His Celebration in Burnley Victory
Mikel Arteta told Martin Odegaard that he could celebrate however he wanted as long as he could deal with the ‘consequences’ after the midfielder placed his hands over his ears while reacting to his goal in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Burnley.
Odegaard opened the scoring at Turf Moor in the fourth minute with a powerful strike into the bottom corner, followed by goals from Bukayo Saka either side of halftime.
Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz increased the deficit to put the visitors out of sight in a one-sided second half, bringing Arteta’s side within two points of leaders Liverpool, who won at Brentford on Saturday lunchtime.
Arsenal has never scored five or more goals in back-to-back Premier League away games, having thrashed West Ham 6-0 the previous time out.
The Gunners return to Champions League action away at Porto on Wednesday before welcoming Newcastle to the Emirates next weekend, where they hope to extend their winning streak to six games in the English Premier League.
Odegaard faced criticism after Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat of Liverpool earlier this month, with Jamie Carragher accusing him of over-celebrating and milking the moment, telling him to ‘just get down the tunnel’.
However, it did not appear to affect Odegaard this weekend, as the Arsenal captain celebrated his well-taken opener by placing his hands over his ears, presumably to block out all outside noise.
Asked about the significance of Odegaard’s pointed celebration, Arteta told reporters: “I don’t know. I didn’t notice that he made that gesture.
“But he was really happy in the dressing room with the way he played again today. I think he was exceptional.
“I don’t think he needs to send any message. He needs to be himself and he needs to do what he feels. And if he feels to do something, do it and deal with the consequences because some people are going to like it and some people won’t.”
Arteta stated that Odegaard appeared to have found his stride both mentally and physically after the Arsenal captain scored eight goals in all competitions this season.
The 25-year-old also assisted Saka’s second goal with a clever pass shortly after halftime at Turf Moor.
“I think confidence-wise he’s in a really good moment,” the Arsenal boss added.
“Physically as well the way he’s applied himself defending and attacking.
“The connection and the movement that he gives us on that right hand side it’s really good. He’s hitting form.”
Arteta Sends Message to Odegaard After His Celebration in Burnley Victory