Pep Guardiola branded Wayne Rooney's criticism as "stupid" after the former England captain called Manchester City's celebrations following their 2-1 win over Arsenal "over the top."

After Sunday's victory at the Etihad, the scenes were wild. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma leapt into the crowd and celebrated with the fans. Erling Haaland smirked into a TV camera and sang the chorus of Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" — "Oh, sometimes, I get a good feeling" — a clip that went viral within minutes. Captain Bernardo Silva energised the South Stand. The players took a now-customary lap of honour. City fans in the South Stand unfurled a giant banner reading "Panic on the Streets of London" — a nod to Manchester band The Smiths' 1987 hit, and an amended version of a banner first used during the club's 115-charges saga in February 2023 (originally reading "PANNICK on the Streets of London," a wordplay on barrister David Pannick KC, who led City's legal defence). Other supporters were seen pretending to drink from Arsenal-branded water bottles — a reference to the British idiom "bottling it," meaning to fail under pressure.

The Match

Both teams arrived at the Etihad with five Premier League matches each remaining and Arsenal three points clear. Rayan Cherki broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a sensational solo run through the Arsenal defence. Two minutes later, a rare error from Donnarumma — a clearance that ricocheted off Kai Havertz — levelled the score at 1-1. In the 65th minute, Haaland reacted fastest in the box to poke home what would prove to be the winning goal — his 23rd Premier League goal of the season. Rodri limped off with a groin injury later in the match.

What Rooney Said

Rooney was working as a pundit on BBC's Match of the Day 2 alongside former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. After watching the post-match scenes, he said:

"[The celebrations] were a bit over the top. It's six games to go for City, it's obviously a big win. I just think it's a little bit premature and it might come back to bite them."

Murphy agreed, calling Donnarumma's leap into the crowd "a bit much."

It is worth noting that Rooney, who won five Premier League titles with Manchester United, has openly said he would prefer the title to head to the Emirates rather than the blue half of Manchester.

Guardiola's Response

At the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's trip to Burnley, Guardiola addressed the criticism head-on:

"People can say whatever stupid things they want to say. They celebrated because they knew if we didn't win it would be 'bye bye.' They won and still we are there. How can they not celebrate it?"

"Wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on..."

Guardiola added that the celebrations came from respect for the quality of the opponent:

"Seeing how Arsenal play, I give them incredible credit. We had to sweat and fight to win because they have everything. They are a nightmare to face."

Why Rooney's Criticism Is Ironic

Rooney is hardly known for restraint when it comes to celebrations. In April 2007, after scoring at Goodison Park during United's famous 4-2 comeback win against his boyhood club Everton, he famously kissed the United badge in front of the home supporters — a moment widely regarded as one of the most provocative celebrations in Premier League history. He repeated the gesture against Everton again in October 2008.

What's at Stake

City are now three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. On Wednesday, they travel to Burnley — a win would take them top of the table for the first time since August, only their 7th day at the summit this season.

Arsenal have spent 201 consecutive days at the top — that streak could end on Wednesday night.

Guardiola admitted he is "more relaxed than ever" — comparing the title fight to last season, when even a Champions League spot was in doubt and the nerves were real. Now they are fighting for the title, and Guardiola believes celebrating every win until the end is essential.

"I said to them, 'Every single game, go to our fans and enjoy the moment.'"

Rodri is expected to miss the Burnley match, with the injury also potentially ruling him out of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.