One Arsenal legend has admitted he “got carried away” as he annoyed Tottenham Hotspur fans in a recent video.
There is never much love lost between Arsenal supporters and Tottenham Hotspur fans.
It was a better day for followers of the red half of North London on Sunday as the Gunners held out to claim a 3-2 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
How Arsenal reigned supreme over Tottenham Hotspur
Mikel Arteta’s side had a near-perfect first half in enemy territory. Although they weren’t performing at their free-flowing best, Arsenal were still able to rack up a 3-0 lead by half-time.
Arsenal set a new North London derby record by amassing such a lead so quickly.
Two of the Gunners’ goals also came from corners. Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was hailed for his role in orchestrating this win.
As his former club banged in the goals in the opening period, Perry Groves was spotted celebrating in the stands. The former winger was commentating on the game, so was sat amongst the assorted press and broadcasters in the ground.
A Tottenham fan saw Groves pumping his fist in delight as he commentated on an Arsenal goal, and filmed the incident, claiming that it represented an example of media bias. The video subsequently went viral.
Perry Groves responds to video of Arsenal celebrations which irked Spurs
Groves, who represented Arsenal over 200 times between 1986 and 1992, winning two league titles in his time with the club, has now had his say on the footage and the reaction it sparked.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the 59-year-old said “When Kai Havertz scored the third goal, I celebrated and gave a fist pump. Someone has filmed it and actually the YouTuber who did it, I had a selfie with him at half-time. He actually thought it was quite funny.
“It did upset a few Spurs fans behind me, which I get. Everybody knows I’m a Gooner and I’m emotional when I watch Arsenal play.
“I want Arsenal to win. Any game I am co-commentating, it has to be balanced…I said sorry I got a bit carried away.”
Arsenal fans likely enjoyed seeing Groves showing his passion. There is certainly plenty to celebrate at the Emirates Stadium these days. In recent weeks, the Gunners have recorded wins over Chelsea and Spurs in capital city derbies, and they remain in the heat of the title race.