Curtis Jones’ blunt comments about Arsenal’s recent Premier League celebrations have left some fans convinced Liverpool are “confused” as title contenders.
Pressure can make people do or say strange things. Take Curtis Jones, for example, who played a part in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat by Premier League rivals Arsenal on Sunday. A decisive victory at the Emirates Stadium brought Mikel Arteta’s side back into the title race and reduced Liverpool’s lead to two points, putting them a game ahead of Manchester City.
Jamie Carragher’s upset Martin Odegaard led charismatic celebrations in north London as the Gunners secured a result that could turn their season around. Jones himself was upset that such celebrations cost Jurgen Klopp and his team-mates. “That’s why I have to do the job with respect,” Jones told BBC Sport.
“Holidays and everything are fun. But over the years we’ve always been a team that talks about the fan and how it hits the fan and stuff like that. “This is our business, so if they want to steal from us, it shows that we are on the right track and there are people who will copy us.”
At just 23, the Merseysider may not be old enough to remember how Arsenal’s players and managers have celebrated big wins over the decades. Klopp, 56, had a similar track record against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz, but there is no evidence that he and his team have struck a chord with the fans.
Jones’ comments sparked a bemused reaction in the comments section. One fan asked: “Did this guy tell you Liverpool invented the victory celebration?” Another viewer said: “Liverpool invented the victory celebration. Just move on.”The surprised reaction of many fans to the suggestion that Liverpool invented the camera did not end there. Even neutrals criticized Jones’ response, with one adding: “I’m not an Arsenal fan but they’re going to rattle a few of us.”
It is debatable whether these comments can be interpreted as evidence that Jones or anyone else at Anfield was bothered by Arsenal’s antics. But the apparent naivete of the candidate’s words is hard to defend and gives the Gunners more fuel to land the Reds.
