Pep Guardiola says Haaland will control his emotions as striker prepares to face Gabriel in Arsenal clash
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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes wasted no time renewing his rivalry with Erling Haaland after the Gunners scored within two minutes against Manchester City in their huge Premier League clash at the Emirates.
Champions City made a calamitous start as Pep Guardiola’s side were caught playing out from the back and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard finished first-time to give the hosts the lead after just 104 seconds.
And Gabriel, who clashed with Haaland during the fractious 2-2 draw between the teams in September, celebrated by shouting into the Norwegian’s face as he ran past him to celebrate with his team-mates by the corner.
Haaland claps at Haaland as Arsenal went on to win 5-1 against the champions
Haaland claps at Haaland as Arsenal went on to win 5-1 against the champions
Haaland, pointedly, did not celebrate towards Gabriel after scoring a second-half equaliser to make it 1-1, before the Gunners ran away with the contest and romped to a statement 5-1 thrashing of the champions to spark their title challenge into life.
Arsenal scored just 38 seconds after the restart when Thomas Partey’s strike deflected in off John Stones before Myles Lewis-Skelly added a third. The 18-year-old marked his goal by appearing to mock Haaland as he copied his goal celebration.
There appeared to be a further flashpoint between Haaland and Gabriel as Arsenal went on to score a fourth and fifth, with the Brazilian centre-back clapping towards the Norwegian.
In another moment, Gabriel appeared to reject Haaland’s hand when the striker tried to help him to his feet. Gabriel had pulled at Haaland’s shorts when on the ground.
Haaland hit back by pointing to the golden Premier League ‘champions’ logo on his sleeve, telling Gabriel that he has won a Premier League title and Arsenal have now gone 20 years without one.
The tension between the players began in September. Haaland was tightly marked by Gabriel in the draw at the Etihad earlier this season and emotions spilled over when Haaland threw the ball the ball into the back of the defender’s head when City scored a late equaliser.
Haaland then told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” and clashed with several Gunners players after the final whistle.
Haaland and Gabriel’s rivalry was a plot point ahead of Arsenal and City facing off in a must-win clash for both teams but the 24-year-old was defended by manager Guardiola before the match and his behaviour on the pitch was praised
“I’m surprised how he controls his emotions,” said Guardiola ahead of Sunday’s Premier League return encounter between the sides at the Emirates Stadium.
“Do you know that in every action he’s being pulled and the referee plays on? How many times has it happened? He’s never complained. He behaves incredibly well.
“When he pushes, it’s his fault – that’s for sure, 100 per cent – but he controls himself. He got emotional one time. For one day, I’m going to adjudicate what Erling has done? No, come on.
“It was not easy when you’re (playing) 90 minutes then Gabriel, the central defender, pushes him, hugs him and hacks him and hugs him and kisses him and these things. At the end, he’s a human being, he has to react.
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