City players and supporters celebrated exuberantly after the 2-1 victory over their Premier League title rivals last weekend and the manager has defended the joyous scenes after they were described as a "little bit over the top" by Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney.

Guardiola said: "I see that game and we had to sweat and fight to beat them because they have everything.

"They are a top team, a contender to win the Champions League and top of the Premier League.

"When I'm on the sidelines and seeing how Arsenal is playing, I give incredible credit."

The Spanish coach added: "When they celebrated, people can say whatever stupid things they want to say, they celebrated because they know the value of the opponent. They knew if we didn't win it would be 'bye bye'.

"They won and still we are there. How can they not celebrate it? As much as you respect the opponent and the fans of the opponent, celebrate however you want. Wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on.

"I said to them, 'Every single game go to our fans', and enjoy the moment. What sense is not to live it? You have to celebrate just once if you win? And if you don't win you cry all the time? Come on.

"Of course we are not going to celebrate it in the middle of the week if we win 3-0 or 4-0 and the opponent are different. Everybody knew that game. It was a final. Especially for us. Maybe not for them but for us it was a final and of course you have to celebrate it."

City will overtake Arsenal at the top of the Premier League if they beat Burnley on Wednesday (22.04.26) and Guardiola stressed that picking up three points is more important than boosting their goal difference against their relegation-threatened opponents.

He told Sky Sports: "It's just a question about winning games. Just win the games.

"The match will dictate how you play and how many goals you score. Of course you have to try to [score] as much as possible. But the target is to win the game. Winning 1-0? It's fine. That is the target."