Erling Haaland’s decision to throw the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ head during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal sums up the growing animosity between both sides.
Haaland’s antics have led to some seeing the funny side of things and others slating him.
Nedum Onuoha commented on Haaland throwing the ball at Gabriel by describing the incident “quite funny” after John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser.
Ian Wright slated Haaland’s antics towards Gabriel and felt it was out of order from him.
Gabriel responded to Haaland by admitting that he understands that in high-stakes affairs, such incidents can occur and played down the situation.
- READ MORE: Jamie Carragher says ‘mad’ £51m Man City player did something very ‘funny’ against Arsenal
Haaland shares his candid verdict on throwing the ball at Gabriel
Haaland and Gabriel’s back-and-forth encounters in the games between both sides seem to be the closest version of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira’s rivalry in the modern era.
The world will be waiting with baited breath to witness which out of the two players comes out on top at the Emirates Stadium in February.
On one hand, the pair could simply focus on the game in question and try to win the contest for their respective sides.
It is equally possible that both go head-to-head with each and rekindle their intense battle.
Ahead of Norway’s upcoming clash against Slovenia in the UEFA Nations League, Haaland admitted that he has no regret of throwing the ball in Gabriel’s direction.
The £51 million man said via Manchester Evening News journalist Joe Bray: “In the heat of the moment, things happened in that game.”
“What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch. That’s how it is.”
“I don’t regret much in life.”
Erling Haaland is not backing down from Gabriel battle
For neutrals, it would especially be enthralling to hear a superstar like Haaland embrace the battle with Gabriel with his latest response.
The 24-year-old could well have downplayed his antics and perhaps even regretted them.
But instead, Haaland does not feel the need to do so as it understands that rivalries like Manchester City’s with Arsenal can become intense at times.
Famously, Martin Keown approached Ruud van Nistelrooy and screamed at him after he missed a penalty as Arsenal eventually earned a 0-0 draw against Manchester United in their ‘Invincibles’ season.
Ultimately, such moments tend to become iconic and only increase the competitive spirit in such spectacles.
