Mikel Arteta got up and left press conference after 14-word question left him stunned

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Some of Arsenal's stars will be settling down for their first Christmas Day of celebration with young children. The Gunners' squad will hope to find a brief moment of respite before facing Brighton on the 27th as Mikel Arteta and Co look to navigate the relentless festive period.

Only 12 months ago, there was perhaps even more anticipation among Arsenal's ranks as their Spanish coach was left speechless by one line of questioning. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz had pregnant partners this time last year, while Martin Odegaard had not long seen the birth of his son with wife Helene Spilling .

Thrashing Crystal Palace 5-1 last December, Arsenal moved to within three points of Liverpool temporarily. A very different situation compared to this term.

In that game, Havertz found the net and placed the ball under his shirt and sucked his thumb in commemoration of his wife, Sophia Weber, expecting a baby. That was just days after Jesus produced an identical celebration during his hat-trick against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup.

Arteta saw the topic of the growing families thrust upon him in his press conference following the win over Palace. 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?"

Arteta could only burst out laughing. The Spaniard quickly made his exit without offering an answer.

But he did tell the various members of the media: "Merry Christmas , have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!"

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Havertz and Jesus have not had the opportunity to celebrate much this season. The former suffered an injury on the opening day of the 2024/25 season, and a setback has seen him likely ruled out until the new year.

The Germany international is undertaking some work on the pitch but was identified as still being weeks away earlier this month.

Jesus, meanwhile, made his first start for the club since suffering his ACL injury in January against Crystal Palace.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.