Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal players to ignore bitter Ashley Young criticism

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told his players to ignore the criticism of they celebrating at the final whistle against Aston Villa.

Bukayo Saka’s goal secured a 1-0 victory at Villa Park in the Gunners’ last game before the international break. The victory prompted a joyous response on the pitch afterwards. It also moved them clear of Spurs in fourth place.

Villa defender Ashley Young later claimed Arteta’s team has celebrated “like they won the league”, while pundit Gabby Agbonlahor went further, suggesting the scenes had been worthy of Champions League success.

However as he prepared his team for Monday night’s trip to Crystal Palace, Arteta told a press conference: “I don’t tell the players to celebrate or not, it’s something that comes right from them.

“It’s great when I see them hugging each other, touching each other, enjoying each other, celebrating with the fans who made a long trip to be with us for a 12.30pm kick-off and showing their gratitude for them being supportive… for me it’s great.

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“The best moments as a football player are after winning a match, the atmosphere with your team-mates, and they have to celebrate, of course.”

Arsenal headed into the weekend sitting in fourth place in the table with North London rivals Tottenham and Manchester United hot on their heels in