Erling Haaland sends Arsenal scathing response after Gabriel shove and Man City controversy

Erling Haaland was once again in the middle of post-match fury as Arsenal and Manchester City played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Having pushed for an equaliser against 10 men throughout the second half, John Stones’ 97th-minute strike sparked a row between the two teams.

During celebrations for Stones’ goal, Haaland lost control and threw the ball against Gabriel Magalhaes, who was left inconsolable with his shirt over his head. The pair had been involved in a spat earlier this year during the much less feisty and entertaining stalemate in March.

On this occasion, though, it was Haaland who had the last laugh, stealing a point away from Arsenal, who had fought resolutely one man down, after Leandro Trossard’s red card before the break. His actions were one of a number of flashpoints though with both benches getting involved in the emotion of the moment.

Haaland then tried an ambitious ploy to land a winner for City. In a similar way to how Kai Havertz and Rodri had collided within five seconds of the match starting, Haaland steamed into Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.

On commentary duty, Gary Neville described it as being like Haaland had ‘eaten’ the player, while debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly was left to fend for himself, too. Arsenal players were quick to come to the defence of their Hale End graduate teammate, and it was Gabriel who once more ended up face-to-face with Haaland.

They squared up, coming close to touching heads, with both players forcing each other away before William Saliba got involved as referee Michael Oliver turned up to mediate. Haaland wasn’t done there and he pushed Gabriel in a showing of frustrations. Surrounded by red shirts – namely Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Gabriel – Haaland also made a point of mocking Lewis-Skelly.

The teenager was grabbed by Haaland, who held him around the arm before gesturing for his Arsenal back-up to leave. He then appeared to tell Kiwior to ‘go away’. The Norwegian frontman also appears to question who Lewis-Skelly is as he dismisses the Arsenal players in a skirmish.

That wasn’t the end of matters, either. Haaland was left in close proximity with ex-City forward Gabriel Jesus at full-time. Towering above the Brazilian, Haaland was left unimpressed with those standing in his way, and looks to have asked ‘what are you talking about?’ as the players came together.

Ultimately, there was a dramatic share of the spoils with Haaland no better off. Having opened the scoring earlier on with his 100th City goal in just over two years, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel gave Arsenal the lead.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to hang on for the victory, but were denied with time almost up in Manchester.