Gabriel Agbonlahor makes major U-turn on Arsenal celebrations following Champions League claim

Gabriel Agbonlahor has apologised to Arsenal fans following his previous comments on the players' celebrations in the wake of their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.

The north London outfit secured a 1-0 victory over Steven Gerrard's side on Saturday afternoon thanks to a first-half strike from Bukayo Saka - his ninth Premier League goal of the season. It was the Gunners' sixth league win in their last seven outings and Mikel Arteta's side celebrated passionately after the full-time whistle sounded, something that left Agbonlahor unimpressed.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “The way they celebrated at the end of the game was like they’d won the Champions League, not qualified for it. I know it was a great result but the scenes, the players, and we were right behind the fans, it was like they’d won the league, not beaten Aston Villa, a team that they should be beating. I think they did overdo the celebrations.”

However, the former Villa forward has since apologised to supporters for his comments, admitting that a little bit of jealousy may have clouded his judgement.

“I was very bitter after the game", Agbonlahor admitted. "Where I was watching the game from the BT Sport studio, I could see the Arsenal fans all game. And seeing them celebrating after the game, I think it was a bit of jealousy. So I take that comment back and I apologise to Arsenal fans. Their celebrations were fine and I’m sure they will get that top-four position."

The result means Arsenal are fourth in the current league standings, three points clear of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also played one more match this term.