In what was a fiery encounter between two fierce rivals, Gabriel Magalhães and Erling Haaland’s ongoing feud took center stage at the Emirates.
It didn’t take long for the Arsenal defender to reignite his tension with the Norwegian striker, as just two minutes into the game, Gabriel goaded Haaland by celebrating in his face following Martin Ødegaard’s early goal. While this might have seemed like a bold move, Gabriel knew the stakes and was prepared for what was to come.
Haaland, however, had other ideas and threatened to put the Brazilian’s antics to bed when he equalized with a header early in the second half. Yet, Arsenal’s relentless pressure and City’s defensive collapse ensured that it was Gabriel and the Gunners who would have the last laugh.
This match marked a turning point in the battle between Gabriel and Haaland. Although Haaland was limited to just six touches in the first half and completed only one successful pass, the striker still managed to level the score.
Despite his best efforts, City’s defensive disarray and lack of cohesion in the second half allowed Arsenal to dominate. Gabriel, far from being intimidated by Haaland’s brief resurgence, was seen pumping up the crowd with clenched fists after Arsenal’s third goal. It was clear who had the upper hand by the final whistle.
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The match also added another chapter to the rivalry between Arsenal and Haaland. Back in September, after a controversial draw at the Etihad, Haaland had told Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” following a dramatic late equalizer from John Stones.
The words seemed to echo in the minds of the Arsenal players and supporters throughout the match, especially after Haaland’s lackluster performance. Arsenal’s ability to humiliate City and leave the stadium with a comprehensive 5-1 victory was the perfect retort to Haaland’s previous comments. The full-time music choice—Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble”—only served to amplify the poetic justice for the home side.
One of the standout performances came from 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who not only played brilliantly against Haaland but also celebrated his goal by mimicking Haaland’s trademark meditation gesture.
This cheeky moment didn’t go unnoticed, even by City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, who responded with a grin when asked about it. Lewis-Skelly’s composed display against the powerful Norwegian was a testament to his maturity and confidence, and he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s victory. His performance, alongside Gabriel’s, made it clear that Arsenal’s youthful talent was more than a match for Haaland’s physical presence.
Haaland’s Struggles
Haaland’s struggles during the match were stark. Despite scoring from one of his nine touches, the striker’s overall contribution to the game was minimal. He completed just five passes, two of which were successful.
This highlighted City’s issues in providing the service Haaland thrives on, particularly with their faltering midfield and disorganized defense. Haaland’s role in City’s attack remains undeniable, but his frustrations were evident as he was largely absent from the game’s flow. Guardiola’s side continues to struggle in transition, and it’s clear they need to find a better way to supply their main goal threat.
As the final whistle blew, Haaland’s body language suggested a desire to move forward, as he approached the City fans to show his appreciation for their support. While he did not sulk or appear downhearted, his quiet acknowledgment of the defeat contrasted with Gabriel’s exuberant celebrations.
No embrace was forthcoming between the two players after the game, and even Haaland’s father, Alfie, joined in the banter, mockingly commenting on Arsenal’s celebrations on social media. Despite the jabs and taunts, the result spoke for itself, and Arsenal’s dominant performance left a lasting impression on their rivals.
With City’s transition still underway and Haaland’s frustration mounting, it’s up to Guardiola to regroup and ensure his team can provide the platform necessary for Haaland to continue his goal-scoring exploits. Arsenal, on the other hand, have firmly planted themselves as one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides, with this victory further asserting their status as contenders. As Haaland and City lick their wounds, Arsenal’s players will savor the sweet taste of revenge.
