In the wake of the win over Manchester City there was an explosion of selfie style photographs by the Arsenal players that had other people in football saying it was over the top, including Sky Sports football pundit Jamie Carragher who said: “You celebrate with pictures at the end of the season when you have won a cup.”
Before Arsenal take on Brighton today in the fourth round of the FA Cup following yesterday’s shock results that saw Chelsea and Manchester City bowing out to lesser opposition the Gunners boss wants some sanity returned to the dressing room.
He said: “You have to be natural in that but it can go overboard sometimes.
“But I don’t think it was a demonstration arrogance. It was a demonstration of just happiness.
“I think in life if you are happy you can express it. You don’t necessary have to control your desires, just as long as it is respectful. I don’t think it was disrespectful.
“I am not a big fan of social media because I think the happiness you want to share should be with your team-mates, not everybody else.
“But life is different now, you have to accept that fact. Youngsters today have a different way of expressing themselves.
“However, it must be respectful. There are limits. It can go too far.
“The team was questioned about their ability on whether they can win away or beat a top side in a big game. They did win and had a right to be happy.
“You also want for this game to remain human. Don’t worry, I have told them they haven’t won the league or anything yet.
“It’s down to us – me also – to keep things at the right level. We have to live with the fact football is very popular and everything is analysed again and again.
“Sometimes it goes overboard but we have to remind ourselves to stay at the right level.
Distance yourself from going overboard, stay calm and put everything in the right perspective.”
The Gunners ended a nine-year run of not winning a trophy last season when Aaron Ramsey scored a goal in extra-time to beat Hull City and win the FA Cup.
Wenger said: “My hunger to win another trophy was always very big. People questioned our hunger but we came through.
“Winning against City is a boost but we have to show that level of consistency and solidarity in every single game.”
Arsenal Defender Keiran Gibbs added: “Last week’s win over City gives the team a boost. I certainly think we proved a lot of people wrong.
“Now we want to hold on to the cup, so it will be another big test for us against a Brighton side who would love to cause an upset.”
