da dobrowin： Rob Edwards has defended Mikel Arteta's exuberant celebrations in the aftermath of Declan Rice's 96th-minute winner against his Luton side in midweek.

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Arteta booked for celebration of Rice goalLuton boss defended his opposite numberArteta set to miss Aston Villa gameWHAT HAPPENED?

The Luton boss was asked if the yellow card picked up by Arteta for his supposed over-celebration appeared harsh, in response to which Edwards jokingly admitted to reporters that, had his side scored the last-ditch winner, he would have been "crowd-surfing" in celebration. The Arsenal boss has been waging a war with referees this season, picking up three yellow cards and a suspension for his side's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

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Arteta was perhaps unfortunate to pick up a yellow card, with many, including Edwards, defending his right to celebrate a crucial winner in any manner he chooses. Tuesday's yellow card becomes the latest talking point in his campaign against officials this season, with Arteta still awaiting his punishment for his charge of misconduct for comments made after his side's defeat to Newcastle.

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Albert Stuivenberg, Arteta's number two, will take charge of his second game in the Arsenal dugout – having previously led the Gunners in a fiery 2-1 defeat by Manchester City in 2022. The Dutch coach has been lovingly nicknamed 'Airpod Albert' by Arsenal fans, with Stuivenberg often seen wearing one headphone during games as he speaks to analysts sat in a higher vantage point in the stadium.

WHAT NEXT FOR EDWARDS AND ARTETA?

Arteta will hope the upcoming sanction is not too sever. Meanwhile, Edwards will be hoping he can replicate those celebrations and gets the chance to crowd-surf as his side host the champions, Manchester City. As for Arsenal, they come up against former boss Unai Emery in a tricky test at high-flying Aston Villa.