Wayne Rooney takes aim at Man City star for 'premature' celebrations vs Arsenal

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Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester City stars that their ‘over the top’ celebrations could come back to bite them in the title race. Pep Guardiola ’s side blew the fight for the Premier League crown wide open with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Rayan Cherki had given City the lead, only for Kai Havertz to equalise following a Gianluigi Donnarumma error. Erling Haaland eventually sealed victory for City in the second half.

City goalkeeper Donnarumma was seen jumping into the crowd at the full-time whistle, while there were animated celebrations on the bench.

And while Rooney believes the win could be pivotal, he has slammed the City players for their celebrations. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former Manchester United star said: “(The celebrations) were a bit over the top.

“It's six games to go for City, it's obviously a big win. I also think for Arsenal , they need to pick themselves up from that.

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“Arsenal will be relieved that that game has come and gone and they've got five games left. If they win them, then they've got a good chance of winning the league.”

He added: “I just think it's [the celebrations] a little bit premature and it might come back to bite them.” Rooney’s comments come after he claimed that the Gunners remain as his favourites for the title despite their defeat at the Etihad.

Mikel Arteta ’s side sit three points clear of City, who will take on relegation-threatened Burnley in their game in hand later this week.

“This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come,” Rooney said.

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“It is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites. I've been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games for the title.

“You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way. From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best - that's who will win it.”

Arsenal are back in action at the weekend as they welcome Newcastle to the Emirates Stadium before they take on Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the semi finals of the Champions League .

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