Martin Odegaard hits back at Jamie Carragher over camera celebrations

Martin Odegaard has laughed off criticism of his celebrations in the wake of Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Liverpool.

Odegaard took the Arsenal photographer's camera and began taking his own pictures after the Game, which saw the Gunners close the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just two points when defeat could have seen them fall eight points back.

Those celebrations drew the ire of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who told Sky Sports: "Just get down the tunnel. You’ve won a game, three points, you’ve been brilliant. Back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I’m serious, honestly"

Later accused of lacking "discipline" by Carragher on social media, Odegaard insisted the celebrations were more than reasonable given the importance of the fixture.

"I think everyone who loves Football, who understands Football, they know how much it means to win this Game," he told reporters. "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. 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."

Manager Mikel Arteta also faced criticism from a minority of fans for his animated celebration of the victory, prompting Gunners legend Ian Wright to speak out in defence of his side.

"The negativity towards my manager..." he said. "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.

"And because he’s celebrating? Because Martin Odegaard is taking a picture with Stuart the photographer? A lifelong Gunner. This man has been supporting Arsenal since he was five or something ridiculous like that. Taking a picture in front of the North Bank, what’s wrong with the captain doing that?

"It has 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. 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 piss 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!"

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