Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided one of the moments of the year in a press conference last December, when a single, cheeky question left him stunned into silence before he made a swift exit.
The Question That Stopped Arteta
The incident occurred in the aftermath of a dominant 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on December 2023. The win had temporarily moved the Gunners to within three points of league leaders Liverpool, a stark contrast to their current campaign.
In that match, Kai Havertz scored and celebrated by placing the ball under his shirt and sucking his thumb, a tribute to his pregnant partner, Sophia Weber. This came just days after Gabriel Jesus performed an identical celebration during his hat-trick against the same opponents in the Carabao Cup. Furthermore, captain Martin Odegaard had recently welcomed a son with his wife.
A Festive Exit
With the growing trend of pregnancy celebrations among his squad, a journalist saw an opportunity for a light-hearted probe. 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. Is there anything you need to tell us about what you're giving the players?"
The query was met with immediate and uproarious laughter from the Spanish coach. Rather than attempt an answer, Arteta promptly seized the moment to conclude the session. He offered no explanation for the squad's baby boom, but did wish the assembled media a heartfelt "Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!" before making his exit.
Where Are They Now?
The festive period a year later finds Arsenal's situation changed. The squad prepares to face Brighton on December 27th amidst a packed schedule, with several players now enjoying their first Christmas as fathers.
However, the celebrants from that day have faced challenges this season. Kai Havertz suffered an injury on the opening day of the 2024/25 campaign and a subsequent setback has likely ruled him out until the new year. Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, has been working his way back to full fitness after an ACL injury in January, making his first start since that setback against Crystal Palace earlier this month.
While the goals and unique celebrations have been less frequent this term, Arteta's priceless reaction to the inquisitive press remains a highlight of the previous festive football calendar.
