Erling Haaland vs Gabriel is soccer’s Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois
After Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois do battle on Saturday night, there will be another heavyweight battle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
It’s one just as exciting. In the red corner Gabriel, in the blue corner Erling Haaland. Manchester City host Arsenal in the first titanic tussle of the Premier League season. And it is a game which should be decided by who is the best big man.
City are the best goalscorers so far this season with 11 in the league and nine of them have come from the big (numbers) hitting Norwegian. While Arsenal – along with Liverpool – have the meanest defence with just one goal conceded in four games.
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William Saliba often gets most of the praise but Brazilian centre-back Gabriel has been the man to keep Haaland quiet before. He managed it in both league games last season as City drew a blank against the Gunners.
Now he must step up again because this is a refreshed and maybe even better Haaland. That’s quite frightening when you consider the numbers he’s already totted up in his previous two league campaigns.
But nine goals in four appearances so far is nothing short of sensational. You would expect Mikel Arteta ’s Arsenal to deploy similar tactics as to last weekend’s win at Tottenham.
They were happy to let their North London rivals have the ball with the security of their back four in front of David Raya. Without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, they were blunted in midfield but knew they’d get a chance at the other end if they could keep Spurs quiet.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
That came and it was Gabriel who got the winner from a corner. Now still without Odegaard, it’s going to be a mighty challenge for Arsenal at the home of the champions as they look to keep pace with the league leaders.
It will certainly be a step up from keeping Tottenham at bay. But the battle between Gabriel and Haaland will be the key one if Arsenal are to leave the Etihad with anything. They’ve been blockbuster before – especially at the Etihad last term – so this one should be intriguing again.
Arsenal were probably wrong to settle for a draw at City last season given the stage of the campaign with the title up for grabs. But this early in the term, they’d be right to take a point back down the M6 with delight.
It won’t be a knockout blow if they were to suffer defeat but given City’s strength it would leave them on the ropes with a bloody nose. Gabriel must show a good defence to avoid taking a Haaland battering.
(Image: PA)
Ten Hag crunch period
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag return to Selhurst Park for the first time since a 4-0 pasting there last season against Crystal Palace. That very nearly cost the Dutchman his job while Casemiro looked set to be put out to pasture after a woeful display.
Now with a bit of a bounce in their step after wins over Southampton and League One Barnsley, they go back to the scene of the crime. It’s a big period this for Ten Hag and United. Palace away is followed by Tottenham at home and then a trip to Aston Villa.
We will know just how much United have – or haven’t – improved after these next three league games.
(Image: Borussia Dortmund via Getty Imag)
Onside
Jamie Gittens. Another young promising English winger. Four in four for Borussia Dortmund so far this season.
Offside
New Champions League format. More games, more cost to fans and still a lot of matches that don’t matter.
