Arsenal star Gabriel sends hostile warning to Erling Haaland and Man City team-mates
Arsenal claimed a share of the spoils at Manchester City on Sunday in a controversial and bad-tempered affair between the two Premier League title hopefuls
by John Cross · The MirrorGabriel has stoked up the title rivalry by declaring Arsenal are waiting to get revenge on Manchester City.
Title rivals Arsenal and City shared a bad tempered draw at the Etihad on Sunday which saw Brazil star Gabriel clash with Erling Haaland. And the Gunners defender has warned: “We are waiting for them at our ground.”
It has set up the Premier League rematch at the Emirates next February as the new grudge match as Arsenal look to overhaul City in this season’s title race.
City striker Haaland has escaped Football Association punishment despite throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head after the champions’ last gasp leveller. It is believed referee Michael Oliver did not see the incident and VAR cannot intervene on such matters.
Asked whether he felt the ball strike his head, Gabriel said: "No, I don’t remember it. I don’t remember it. It’s normal. But anyway, congratulations to the team for the draw.
"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."
Arsenal legend Ian Wright branded Haaland a “coward.” Wright 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.”
That has only stoked up tensions between the two clubs which ended with City snatching a 2-2 draw after Leandro Trossard was sent off in first half injury time. Arsenal were unhappy at referee Michael Oliver who gave Trossard his marching orders while Jeremy Doku escaped punishment for delaying a restart.
It added to the tensions with furious scenes at the end of the game at the Etihad as players clashed after City’s equaliser, coaching staff also had angry exchanges while players from both sides got involved in X-rated rows.
Haaland taunted Mikel Arteta by telling him to “stay humble” at the final whistle before shouting “f***ing clown” in a row with Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal substitute Myles Lewis-Skelley was booked for unsporting behaviour before he had even come onto the pitch after the teenager apparently running behind the goal to give instructions to keeper David Raya who went down for treatment soon after.
Haaland then confronted Lewis-Skelley and said to the 17-year-old debutant: “Who are you?”
But despite the angry and unsavoury scenes at the end of the game, the FA insist they will not take action.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.