Erling Haaland gets two-word response from Gabriel Magalhaes as Pep Guardiola steps in
Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes were involved in a superb battle for dominance during Manchester City's clash against Arsenal. The Gunners headed to Etihad Stadium knowing taking points off their Premier League title rivals was crucial after Liverpool moved top with a win over Brighton.
As both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta craved control, the first half saw minimal opportunities with the second period following suit. As neither team found the back of the net and thus took a point, Liverpool now sit two points clear at the top on 67 with the Gunners on 65 and Man City on 64.
In these kind of tight games, the important players in each team will be looked at to provide a moment of magic with Haaland one of City's options. However, Gabriel and William Saliba kept the Norway international very quiet with the striker unable to trouble David Raya as all three of his efforts were either blocked or off target.
The tense battle between Gabriel and Haaland was particularly interesting, especially in the final stages, with the latter feeling as though he had been fouled in the penalty area. However, referee Anthony Taylor dismissed those cries with the Brazil international not mincing his feelings as he shouted at Haaland in the wake of the incident.
The two then reconvened at full-time as they passionately exchanged words, although it appeared in jest. Declan Rice and Pep Guardiola were also involved in the discussion with the Man City boss pushing away his talisman. However the cameras caught the final words exchanged between Gabriel and Haaland as the latter simply said, «good game» while hugging the Brazilian.
While Gabriel impressed, it was his centre-back partner Saliba, who missed last season's clash, that stood out as he
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