Pep Guardiola lashes out at 'stupid' criticism from Wayne Rooney ahead of Man City and Burnley match

"People can say whatever stupid things they want they celebrated because they knew if we didn't win it would be 'bye bye' [for the title]," Guardiola stated.

"They won and still we are there. How can they not celebrate it?"

He questioned whether his players should suppress their emotions until the campaign concludes, dismissing such suggestions outright: "We should wait until the end of the season to celebrate? Come on..."

The jubilant scenes saw goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma launch himself into the home supporters, while captain Bernardo Silva energised the crowd following the final whistle.

Guardiola regularly encourages his squad to share victories with those in the stands, frequently accompanying them on laps of appreciation around the pitch after matches.

"I said to them every game, 'Go to our supporters' and enjoy the moment," the Spaniard explained.

He emphasised the significance of the fixture in their title pursuit, treating it with the utmost importance.

"For us it was a final and, of course, you have to celebrate it," Guardiola added, while maintaining that respect for opponents should not prevent players from expressing their joy.

Guardiola credited Arsenal's quality as a key factor behind his team's emotional response, describing Mikel Arteta's side as exceptionally difficult opposition.

"Seeing how Arsenal play, I give them incredible credit. We had to sweat and fight to win because they have everything," he said, calling them a "nightmare" to face.

City's attention now turns to their midweek trip to Turf Moor, where victory against Burnley would see them climb to the summit of the Premier League table.

However, the champions will likely be without influential midfielder Rodri for the fixture.

The Spanish international is nursing a groin problem, though the injury is not believed to be serious and he should return shortly.

Looking beyond the immediate title race, Guardiola believes his former captain Vincent Kompany will eventually take charge at the Etihad Stadium.

The Belgian defender, now 40, has established himself as one of Europe's most promising managers, securing back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.

Kompany was in the opposing dugout when City last visited Turf Moor nearly three years ago during his spell as Burnley boss.

"Sooner or later, I have a feeling he will decide it is time to come back to England. I'm sure Manchester's in his heart," Guardiola remarked.

The City manager recalled his earlier prediction about his former skipper: "I said when we played Burnley, 'He will be a manager here.'"