Pep Guardiola hits back at Wayne Rooney’s ‘stupid’ comments after Man City beat Arsenal 2-1
Pep Guardiola has brushed aside Wayne Rooney’s criticism of Manchester City’s celebrations after their win over Arsenal, arguing the reaction reflected the significance of the moment rather than any sense of complacency.
Speaking before City’s next fixture, Guardiola said the emotions at full-time were driven by the pressure surrounding the title race. According to The Guardian, he made clear he had no issue with how his players responded.
“People can say whatever stupid things they want to say,” Guardiola said. “They celebrated because they know the value of the opponent… They knew if we didn’t win it would be ‘bye-bye [to the title race]’. How can they not celebrate it?”
Rooney urges caution
The debate followed City’s 2-1 home win over Arsenal, a result that tightened the race at the top but did not change the fact that Arsenal remained in front.
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Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, suggested the scale of City’s celebrations risked sending the wrong message with several games still to play.
He described the reaction as “a bit over the top” and warned it could prove premature given the unpredictable nature of the closing weeks. Rooney later reiterated that view on his podcast, stressing that the title race still had “twists and turns” ahead and pointing out that Arsenal retained their advantage.
‘It felt like a final’
Guardiola, however, framed the match as a turning point for his side, who could ill afford a slip.
“Everybody knew that game, it was a final. Especially for us,” he said. “Maybe not for them but for us it was a final and of course you have to celebrate it.”
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He added that such scenes would not follow a routine victory, but this was different — a match that carried the weight of City’s title hopes.
No room for error
With the season entering its final stretch, Guardiola acknowledged his team’s position leaves little margin for mistakes.
In comments published on Manchester City’s official website, he said maintaining consistency would be essential if City are to close the gap.
“As we have seen with Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, both teams know we cannot drop points,” he said. “The calendar is so demanding. It’s really tough.”
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City’s path to the title now likely requires a flawless finish — and even that may not be enough — ensuring the pressure remains firmly on despite the emotional release of their latest win.
Sources: The Guardian, Manchester City official website
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