A heated exchange between Erling Haaland and Mikel Arteta marred the end of Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 22.
Manchester City’s John Stones scored in the 8th minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw against 10-man Arsenal.
The Gunners played with 10 men for over 45 Minutes after Leandro Trossard was shown a red card just before halftime.
Erling Haaland scored his 100th goal for Manchester City when he opened the score sheet, before Riccardo Calafiori equalized, and Gabriel Magalhaes gave Arsenal the lead.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s 10 men defended resiliently but Stones’ late goal denied them victory.
Following the fierce clash, Erling Haaland delivered a provocative message to the Arsenal manager during the post-match pleasantries.
The Norwegian striker said, slapping Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta on the back: “Stay humble, eh, stay humble.”
Arteta turned to face Haaland, locking his eyes before walking away in what appeared to be an abrupt disrespect to him.
However, the tension escalated as Gabriel Jesus overheard the comment and confronted Haaland: “Come, come, why you saying, you talking?” Jesus asked, prompting Haaland to push him away. Manchester City star Jack Grealish quickly intervened to separate the pair.
Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg was spotted attempting to diffuse the situation. Meanwhile, Arteta swiftly guided Ben White and Jesus away from the scene, directing them towards the Arsenal supporters.
Erling Haaland Earlier Clash With Gabriel Magalhaes
Erling Haaland’s confrontation with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wasn’t the only flashpoint. After John Stones’ equalizer in the 98th minute, Haaland celebrated by bouncing the ball off Gabriel’s head.
When Arsenal restarted play, the Norwegian striker sprinted towards Gabriel, sparking another confrontation.
This incident highlighted the growing rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal, both vying for the Premier League title.
Manchester City Stars Slam Arsenal’s Tactics After 2-2 Draw
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva appeared to mock Arsenal players over their lack of trophies, while Silva and John Stones criticized Arsenal’s “dirty” approach and “time-wasting.”
Down to 10 men in the second half, Arsenal slowed the game down whenever they had the chance.
The visitors’ tactics almost earned them a famous win at Etihad Stadium, but Stones’s 98th-minute strike rescued a point for Guardiola’s City.
Stones stated, “You can call it clever or dirty… They break up the game, and it upsets the rhythm for everyone.”
Silva echoed, “There was only one team that came to play football. The other came to play to the limits of what was possible to do and allowed by the referee.”
In addition, Silva takes aim at Arsenal’s lack of trophies. He contrasted Arsenal’s approach with Liverpool’s, noting Arsenal’s lack of Premier League and Champions League titles.
Silva said: “Maybe that Liverpool have already won a Premier League, Arsenal haven’t. That Liverpool have won a Champions League, Arsenal haven’t. Liverpool always faced us face to face to try to win the games.”
The controversy surrounding Haaland’s exchange with Arteta has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a mind game and others as a sign of disrespect.
Meanwhile, latest report has confirmed that the Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will not face disciplinary action for throwing the match ball at Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes’ head following Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad.
The incident was reviewed by VAR during the match, and no action was taken. Further review has confirmed that Haaland will not receive retrospective punishment.
The decision means Haaland will be available for Manchester City’s upcoming EPL fixture against Newcastle on Saturday, September 28.
Please comment below on how you feel about Erling Haaland’s actions towards Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Arteta.
