Richard Keys slams Mikel Arteta for not 'showing dignity' during Liverpool victory

Richard Keys slammed Mikel Arteta for the Arsenal manager’s celebrations during a 3-1 win over Liverpool.

On Sunday, Arsenal claimed a 3-1 win against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium to move to within two points of the Premier League summit.

Bukayo Saka scored an early opener, only for the hosts to gift Liverpool a route back into the game after a defensive mix-up on the stroke of half-time saw Gabriel Magalhaes score an own goal.

The Gunners reclaimed the lead however, when Gabriel Martinelli passed into an empty net after a major blunder from Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

Arsenal sealed the win through Leandro Trossard, subjecting Liverpool to their first defeat in 16 Premier League games.

Having blown the title race wide open, there were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.

But beIN Sports anchor Keys criticised Arteta’s touchline behaviour after the game, adding that Arsenal merely “knicked it”.

"I have hesitated till this point, I understand today is worth celebrating," Keys said on beIN Sports.

"They've beaten one of the big teams, and the title race has opened up as a result but I do wish (Mikel) Arteta was behaving better than he does, he's returned to behaving like he was persistently last year before the rules were changed to check him.

"I wish he had a little bit more class when Liverpool handed them the second, then the third there he goes again.

Arsenal claimed a crucial win over Liverpool on Sunday (Getty)

"I'm checking my criticism. If you stick one in the top corner to go 2-1 up, but that's a gift, have a bit of dignity. I mean come on, you've just nicked on. Show us a little bit more dignity, I think he got halfway down there then realised: 'What are you doing?'"

Co-presenter Andy Gray disagreed with his beIN Sports colleague and likened Arteta’s celebrations to Jurgen Klopp's.

Gray said: "They've just won a massive game, I understand the argument from last year - they beat Fulham. Tonight was a big night, I don't think they overdid it.

"I don't want to say nobody can celebrate, it's a passionate game, the most emotive game in the world. Okay, some people might not like it, but Arsenal fans love it.

"They loving it tonight, they haven't overdone, the manager gets carried away - I give you that. Your manager (Jurgen Klopp) overcelebrates."

Topics: Football, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Richard Keys, Premier League, Liverpool

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.