Gabriel has laid down the gauntlet for a title showdown by insisting Arsenal are eager for revenge against Manchester City.
The tension between title hopefuls Arsenal and reigning champions City reached boiling point with a scorching draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, when Brazilian ace Gabriel got into a tangle with goal machine Erling Haaland. And the aftermath has cranked up the anticipation for a sizzling rematch at the Emirates come February, turning it into the must-watch grudge match as the Gunners try to dethrone Pep Guardiola‘s men.
Haaland has avoided any penalty from the Football Association after he hurled a ball at the back of Gabriel’s head following City’s last gasp equaliser from John Stones. Referee Michael Oliver missed the incident and VAR officials baffled fans by choosing not to draw his attention to the attack.
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Quizzed on whether he clocked the ball hitting his head, Gabriel played it cool: “No, I don’t remember it. It’s normal. But anyway, congratulations to the team for the draw,” reports the Mirror.
But the Arsenal defender said: “As I said, battle, war, provocation is normal in football and it is part of the game. It’s over now. Now we are waiting for them at our ground.”
(Image: 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Gunners great Ian Wright also hasn’t minced his words, slating Haaland as a “coward”. He said: “Throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head when he’s not looking, when his back is turned to him, what a coward’s move. Gabi would look him in the eye. That’s what bothered me. I thought he was bigger than that.”
The already simmering tensions between the two clubs boiled over when City clawed back to a 2-2 draw, with Leandro Trossard seeing red just before the break for delaying a restart after a foul on Bernardo Silva. Arsenal were left fuming at Oliver for sending Trossard off while Jeremy Doku got away scot-free for similar behaviour.
The drama didn’t stop there, as the final whistle at the Etihad sparked a furious bust-up. Players and coaching staff from both teams had heated exchanges, and there were even X-rated spats on the pitch.
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt)
Haaland couldn’t resist a dig at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, telling him to “stay humble” and then calling ex-Man City star turned Gunner Gabriel Jesus a “f***ing clown”. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s young sub Myles Lewis-Skelley got a yellow card for unsporting behaviour without even stepping onto the field, allegedly for dashing behind the goal to pass on messages to keeper David Raya, who needed treatment shortly after.
Haaland also had words for Lewis-Skelley, asking the 17 year old debutant: “Who are you?” Despite the chaos and unsavoury scenes, the FA have said they won’t be taking any action.