The heated post-match confrontation between Erling Haaland and Arsenal players has become one of the biggest talking points after Manchester City’s intense 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
The match was filled with drama, including a red card for Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard and a late equalizer from City’s John Stones in injury time.
However, it was the post-game clash between Haaland and Gabriel Jesus that dominated the headlines.
Recently surfaced footage sheds light on the tense exchange between the two strikers.
After the final whistle, Haaland directed a comment toward Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, telling him to “stay humble.”
This remark immediately sparked a reaction from Gabriel Jesus, who stepped in to defend his manager.
Jesus, clearly upset by Haaland’s comment, appeared to challenge the City striker, saying “Come,” as if daring him to continue.
Haaland, caught off guard by Jesus’ response, repeatedly asked, “What, what, what, what,” to which Jesus replied, “Come, why are you talking?”
The argument escalated, with Haaland angrily retorting, “Talking about what? I wasn’t talking, f****** clown.”
The tension rose as Jesus warned him, “Don’t touch me,” while Haaland tried to defuse the situation by saying, “What you talking about? Get the f*** away from me, you f****** clown.”
Throughout the heated exchange, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, could be heard trying to calm the situation, calling out to Jesus, “Gabby, Gabby, Gabby,” in an attempt to de-escalate the confrontation.
Though the altercation eventually subsided, the tense moment added to an already dramatic match.
This was not the only controversy involving Haaland that day.
During Manchester City’s celebration of their late equalizer, Haaland was caught on camera throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel Magalhães’ head.
This action sparked further outrage, but after a review by VAR, Haaland escaped any punishment as officials deemed no further action was necessary.
The incident drew criticism from Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who condemned Haaland’s behavior on social media.
Wright took particular issue with Haaland’s decision to throw the ball at Gabriel’s head, labeling it a “coward’s move.”
On Instagram, Wright expressed his frustration, stating, “The one thing that really got to me was Haaland’s cowardly act.
Throwing the ball at Gabi’s head when his back was turned. That’s a real coward’s move.
Gabi would look him in the eye, no question. That’s what really bothered me. I thought you [Haaland] were bigger than that.”
While the immediate on-field incidents have been resolved, the clash between Haaland and Jesus, along with Haaland’s actions toward Gabriel, have intensified the rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal.
As both clubs continue to compete at the highest levels of football, these fiery moments are likely to fuel the competitive tension between the two teams in the future.
