Pep Guardiola has responded sharply to criticism from Wayne Rooney after the former striker questioned Manchester City’s post-match celebrations following their crucial victory over Arsenal.
City secured a dramatic 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium in a fixture that carried significant weight in the Premier League title race.
Knowing that anything less than victory would leave them with a mountain to climb, Guardiola’s side delivered under pressure.
Goals from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland ensured the Sky Blues closed the gap on their rivals, reigniting hopes of retaining their crown.
The result leaves City within striking distance of Arsenal, who had been six points clear prior to the encounter.
With a game still in hand, Guardiola’s team now have the opportunity to move level on points — and potentially ahead on goal difference — should they secure victory in their next outing away to Burnley.
Despite the importance of the win, attention quickly turned to the scenes at full-time. City’s players celebrated with visible intensity, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma among those seen embracing supporters in the stands.
The jubilant reaction did not sit well with Rooney, who suggested the celebrations were excessive given that the title race remains unresolved.
Guardiola defends players’ reaction
Guardiola, however, dismissed Rooney’s remarks and stood firmly behind his players, insisting their response reflected both the significance of the occasion and the calibre of their opponents.
Referencing the criticism, he said: “People can say whatever stupid things they want to say – they celebrated because they know the value of the opponent.
“They knew if we didn’t win it would be ‘bye bye’. They won and still we are there. How can they not celebrate it?”
The City manager made clear that the emotional release at the final whistle was not about complacency, but rather recognition of what had been at stake.
Facing a direct rival for the title, defeat would have all but ended their challenge. Instead, victory has breathed new life into their campaign.
Guardiola has long emphasised the importance of mentality in decisive moments, and this fixture carried the feel of a defining chapter in the season.
“As much as you respect the opponent and the fans of the opponent, celebrate however you want.
“Wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on. I said to them ‘every single game go to our fans’ and enjoy the moment. What sense is not to live it?
“You have to celebrate just once if you win? And if you don’t win you cry all the time? Come on.”
For Guardiola, the match carried extra significance beyond the three points. He described it as a “final” for his team — a must-win scenario that demanded both tactical precision and mental strength.
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“Of course we are not going to celebrate it in the middle of the week if we win 3-0 or 4-0 and the opponent are different.
“Everybody knew that game. It was a final. Especially for us. Maybe not for them but for us it was a final and of course you have to celebrate it.”
That perspective offers insight into why the celebrations were so fervent. In a season where consistency is paramount, moments of high pressure can shape the trajectory of a campaign.
City’s ability to rise to the occasion against direct competition may yet prove decisive.
The broader context also reinforces Guardiola’s argument. Football is as much about emotion as it is about results, and the connection between players and supporters often reaches its peak in matches of such magnitude.
Celebrations, in this sense, become an expression of shared belief and relief.
