Mikel Arteta gets up and leaves Arsenal press conference after unusual question

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with his team's big away win (Image: PA)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left in stitches after being asked about his players' partners' pregnancies during his post-match press conference after his team thrashed Crystal Palace.

The Spaniard had an early Christmas gift on Saturday when his team hammered Palace 5-1 away from home, moving them temporarily within three points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Despite losing Bukayo Saka to injury in the 24th minute, the Gunners still managed their biggest league win of the season.

Gabriel Jesus scored twice early on, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also finding the net, meaning only Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have outscored Arteta's side.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

During the press conference, Arteta was asked about Havertz's goal celebration, which involved him putting the ball under his shirt and sucking his thumb - a nod to the fact that he and his wife Sophia Weber are expecting a baby.

Related articles Arteta sets down Christmas demand to Arsenal after losing Bukayo Saka at Palace New footage of injured Bukayo Saka looks bleak as Arsenal ace set for time out Premier League issue statement after Clyne avoids red vs Arsenal

Kai Havertz celebrated his partner's pregnancy after scoring (Image: Getty Images)

This mirrored Jesus' celebration earlier in the week when he scored a hat-trick against Palace in Arsenal's 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory.

Arteta was asked: "I noticed in the week Gabriel Jesus celebrated his goal by the pregnancy thing. Kai Havertz has done the same today because his partner's pregnant and I hear that Martin Odegaard's wife is pregnant as well."

Arteta couldn't hold back his amusement after being asked about what he's been giving his players following a string of successful results.

The Gunners boss ended up laughing and standing up to exit, but not before saying to everyone in attendance: "Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!"

Trending window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241219.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Reacting to Arsenal's crucial victory that came after back-to-back draws, Arteta stated: "I'm very happy that we won, we needed that win, especially after the two draws.

"But in general, looking at the 10 games, no defeats in the last seven. We've won five and gotten two draws, and we've deserved to win all of them so it's good."

Arsenal will continue their Premier League campaign post-Christmas when they welcome Ipswich Town on Friday December 27.

Mikel Arteta gets up and leaves Arsenal press conference after unusual question

Mikel Arteta gets up and leaves Arsenal press conference after unusual question

Mikel Arteta gets up and leaves Arsenal press conference after unusual question

Mikel Arteta gets up and leaves Arsenal press conference after unusual question

Mikel Arteta gets up and leaves Arsenal press conference after unusual question