Gabriel breaks silence on Erling Haaland incident with ice-cold response that sets up next Arsenal vs Man City fixture perfectly

 

Tempers flared throughout Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Gabriel has issued an ice-cold response to Manchester City star Erling Haaland.

The pair were embroiled in an entertaining battle at the Etihad Stadium as their teams played out a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

Haaland opened the scoring early on before a first-half comeback then ensued from Arsenal.

City eventually left it late with John Stones scoring at the death to rescue a point for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Following the goal, the Norwegian forward appeared to throw the ball at Gabriel in the midst of the celebrations.

But the drama didn’t end there, with both players then caught up in another argument on the pitch.

That led to a nasty overspill as referee Michael Oliver attempted to cool tempers.

Following the game, Gabriel spoke to the media about his battle with Haaland across the 90 minutes.

The Brazilian defender offered a cool response as he looks forward to the reverse fixture next year.

“It’s a battle, a war and provocation is normal in football,” he told the media.

“Now it’s over and we’re waiting for them at our house.”

It was the sending off of Leandro Trossard that seemingly caused the most controversy, with Mikel Arteta left infuriated.

 

Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes pictured during Man City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal -
Getty

“Right now our emotions are a bit mixed because of everything that’s happened, but we played in a very complicated context,” he told Spanish broadcaster Telemundo Deportes.

“Playing here against this opponent is already very complicated. To play 55 minutes against this opponent with 10 men is a very difficult task, but I’m very proud of the players.

“If the players see other things in the first half and no action is taken, obviously the player can’t react in less than a second which is how long it takes for the action of the whistle when you have it behind you.

“I don’t think that can be taught. I’m going to have to rethink my coaching then. Because I think we’re going to play 100 Premier League games this year against 10.

“If our average is two out of five, imagine. [referees should be more] consistent, not permissive.

“If there is a rule, you have to be consistent. To play differently. But 11 against 10 for sure not.”