Mikael Silvestre has his say on Arsenal 'over celebrating’ wins

With four consecutive wins, Arsenal are back on track to contend for the Premier League title. The Gunners are level on points with reigning champions Manchester City and just two points off league leaders Liverpool. A 6-0 demolition of West Ham at the London Stadium will add even more momentum to Mikel Arteta’s men.

Devang Prasad sat down with ex Man Utd and Arsenal man, Mikael Silvestre, who spoke about Arsenal’s form as well as giving his views on the recent conversations around the Gunners ‘over celebrating’ wins.

In this article:

• Arsenal’s form is a good sign for the final sprint
• There’s no limit to celebrations as long as you respect the opponent
• Man City still favourites but that should not deter Arsenal
• Safer gambling

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Arsenal’s form shows they’re ready for the final sprint

The Gunners had a tough December but have bounced back in 2024 with four straight wins in the league, including a major one over Liverpool.

Silvestre says that it is still early to say that Arsenal have hit top gear at the right time but performing well at this stage will be helpful for the final sprint come March.

“It’s still early but obviously December was a setback but looks like they had a good winter break and now they’re performing better.”

“It’s good to be in form at this moment in the season because the other team – Man City – is also coming back to their best.”

“So, for Arsenal to be in good form in mid-Feb, ready to compete, is a good sign for the final sprint.”

No limit to celebrations as long as you respect the opponent

Jamie Carragher recently joined the celebration police when he criticised Arsenal’s celebrations after their win against Liverpool, adding to the discourse that the Gunners celebrate wins that are of no consequence.

Silvestre disagrees with Carragher’s assessment saying that there’s no limit to celebrating a win as long as the winning team is respectful of the opponent. The four-time Premier League champion adds that the Arsenal players celebrating in the manner showed the pressure that they were and are under and these big statement wins help relieve some of it.

“There’s no limit to celebrating a win like how there’s no limit to when you lose – you beat yourself long and hard, and it’s tough when you lose and you blame yourself.”

“The celebrations represent the pressure players put on themselves. The pressure, the expectations that they put on themselves. As long as you respect the opponent, there’s no problem with celebrations, you know.”

“That’s Jamie’s view.”

“Why we watch the Premier League and it’s the best league in the world is because emotions are a part of it. The Arsenal players, they came out of a tough December and those big wins are a statement of intent and the celebrations go with it.”

“As long as you respect the opponent, and show fair play, it’s fine.”

Man City still favourites but Arsenal should not lose their motivation

With the title race being a three-horse race and heating up, Silvestre gave his pick for the top three.

He went with Manchester City retaining the title, Arsenal finishing second and Liverpool third but offered words of encouragement to his former side, saying that despite Man City being favourites, Arsenal should not lose the motivation to top the table.

“If you look at the table now, City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Those three, I don’t know in which order. My guess is City, Arsenal and Liverpool.”

“The Gunners have to find the motivation to finish top and I think they can. They’ll need to be extremely consistent as City will be very consistent.”

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