Arsenal celebrations were justified after a historic night at the Emirates

Arsenal reached their first Champions League final in 20 years and the emotion around the Emirates after Bukayo Saka’s goal was obvious. Bukayo Saka scored the only goal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, and the reaction to that result quickly became part of the story. Some called it too much, but this was the sort of night that produces celebration rather than caution.

Why the criticism split opinion

Wayne Rooney said the players had gone too far. Speaking to the Standard, Rooney said: "They haven't won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too heavy. Celebrate when you win… but no, they deserve it."

That view was pushed back strongly by Ian Wright, who told Arsenal fans: "Enjoy this. The celebration police will be out in force, do not get nicked!" Arsene Wenger was just as clear, saying Arsenal had "every right" to celebrate and describing the win as deserved because they were the better team over two legs. Mikel Arteta went further, calling it "an incredible night" and saying, "After 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final."

The case for letting people enjoy it is simple enough. Arsenal did not concede a goal against Atletico Madrid in the decisive leg, and Wenger pointed out that they were more decisive in the duels and did not let Atletico create the chance they needed. Declan Rice also said the club had "every right to celebrate that moment" because of what they had achieved in the competition.

What the numbers say about Arsenal's run

This has not been a one-off European night built on noise alone. Arsenal are 8 wins from 8 in the Champions League this season, with 23 goals scored and 4 conceded. Bukayo Saka has 3 Champions League goals and 10 appearances this season, while Rice has been a steady presence with a 7.39 rating across 12 matches.

That matters because it takes the argument away from pure sentiment. Arsenal are not celebrating a lucky break or a single chaotic result, they are reacting to a run that has been controlled for most of the competition. The final place is secure, the first final in 20 years is in the book, and the debate about tone does not change that.

If anything, Rooney’s point only goes so far. The trophy is still to be won, but Arsenal have earned the right to act like a club that has reached one of its biggest European nights in two decades. The final comes next, and the celebrations around Tuesday night are already part of the build-up to it.