Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta couldn't help but chuckle during the post-match press conference when the topic turned to his players' baby boom.
The Gunners gaffer had plenty to smile about after his team demolished Crystal Palace 5-1 on Saturday (December 21), which saw them close in on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Only three points separates them ahead of Arne Slot's side taking on Tottenham.
Despite losing Bukayo Saka to a worrying hamstring injury early on, Arsenal didn't suffer, with Gabriel Jesus bagging a brace – his fifth goal in two games – while he was joined on the scoresheet by Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.
The baby celebrations were in full swing as Havertz mimicked Jesus' midweek 'pregnancy' celebration from the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Palace, hinting at his own upcoming new arrival with partner Sophia Weber, reports the Mirror.
Arteta was quizzed about this trend, with the reporter noting: "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?"
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz is expecting a baby with his wife, as illustrated by his celebration against Crystal Palace (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta was caught off-guard with the light-hearted question, leaving him unable to answer as he instead began laughing. Before swiftly exiting, Arteta wished everyone present: "Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!"
Reflecting on what was Arsenal's fourth victory in their last six league matches, Arteta acknowledged the significance of the win considering recent results.
"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," he said. "We've won five and gotten two draws, and we've deserved to win all of them so it's good."
The Gunners gear up for their next clash after the festive season on Friday (December 27), as they welcome Ipswich Town to north London.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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