Arteta cautions Arsenal players about taunting Haaland after Man City rout

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned his players to refrain from mocking Manchester City striker Erling Haaland following their emphatic 5-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Several Arsenal players were seen taunting Haaland during and after the match, including Gabriel screaming in the Norwegian’s face after Martin Odegaard’s opening goal. Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also mimicked Haaland’s meditation celebration after scoring Arsenal’s third.

However, Arteta urged his team to show more restraint, stating: “That’s up to the players, but they know my view on it. We need to concentrate on ourselves. Leave anything that occurred as part of the game on the pitch. I’ve been in football a long time. Just leave it – there’s nothing more to be done there.”

The Arsenal manager emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not getting carried away with provocative celebrations or gestures towards opponents. He wants his team to channel their energy into their own performances rather than engaging in taunts.

The convincing win moved Arsenal to within six points of league leaders Liverpool. However, Arteta is keen to keep his players grounded and avoid any unnecessary controversy as they push for the title in the final months of the season.