Everyone still hates Arsenal and we still love it

Having not kicked a ball competitively for 18 days, the match against Wolves at Molineux was always going to be slog for Arsenal even without considering the quality of opposition.

The second best defence in the Premier League this season had given most sides they faced a difficult 90 minutes, one based around a solid defensive structure that conceded few chances and dominated aerial duels.

Taking the lead after 25 minutes from a set piece set Arsenal on their way to what would have been a huge victory in the context of the season – beating a European rival and taking advantage of their Champions League chasing opponents’ own slip-ups.

Managing to do so having been reduced to ten men for the final 25 minutes added to the elation, which was evident across the whole team and travelling support who basked in the glory of the three points at the full-time whistle.

Everyone still hates Arsenal and we still love it after Ruben Neves leads criticism charge following celebrations in 1-0 win over Wolves

Nothing wrong with that, right? In fact, it would have been strange if there weren’t scenes of that nature.

Ruben Neves, however, saw things differently.

"“We saw the way they celebrated the win and that shows the level we are,” he told the BBC. “I didn’t see Arsenal celebrating like this in the past 10 years – it was like they won the league.”"

Ignoring the ignorance of his claim – Arsenal have won four FA Cups in ‘the past ten years’ – the saltiness of his anger was particularly enjoyable. All his moaning like a teenager made the win sweeter.

What was hugely bizarre was how much the feeling was shared among supporters of rival teams. Arsenal were called out for having seen their standards drop, like a win away at a top team when you’re pursuing a Premier League top four spot having seen the game out with ten men is, for some reason, an unacceptable reaction.

It’s an outstanding load of nonsense. Quite remarkable really, and it just adds to the growing hatred everyone has accumulated for Arsenal across this season. Just like the vicious and unjustified outpouring of disgust at the Gunners for having their legitimate request for postponement of the North London Derby accepted – the first of its kind for the club and one that literally prompted the FA to change the rules – the increasing noise around Arsenal is something to bask in.

If players and fans alike are so bitter about Arsenal celebrating a win under difficult circumstances it, once again, means the team are on the right track. This is baffling disgruntlement is borne out of frustration of success. Neves was annoyed because they lost ground in the table and all the others that jumped on the bandwagon did likewise.

Such outrage wasn’t prevalent when Man City went ballistic after snatching victory at Arsenal when they had a man advantage, as yet again the pile on starts when it involves those in red and white.

While on this occasion at least there were journalists and other onlookers who questioned the response to Arsenal’s reactions, it is still reassuring to know that everyone outside the north London bubble is angered for all the right reasons.

Long may it (keep) continue(ing).