Erling Haaland sends message to Gabriel after 'headbutt' controversy - 'I won the battle'

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Erling Haaland claims Arsenal ’s Gabriel was lucky to avoid a red card after the pair’s controversial clash at the Etihad. City secured what could potentially be a decisive victory on Sunday afternoon by winning 2-1.

The victory sees Pep Guardiola ’s side reduce Arsenal ’s advantage at the top of the table to just three points with a game in hand. Haaland was once again on the scoresheet against the North London side.

Away from his goal, Haaland was involved in one of the main flashpoints of the game as he went head-to-head with Arsenal defender Gabriel. The latter appeared to throw his forehead forwards but neither VAR nor the referee deemed the incident to be worthy of a red card, with the pair both cautioned.

Asked about the clash, Haaland suggested that the Brazilian could have been dismissed had he been a bit more dramatic. Speaking to Sky Sports , he said: "I think it's always like this. A lot of fighting and these kind of things.

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"That's others to decide if I won that battle. Of course, I scored the goal. I won that battle in the decisive moment, the cross was perfect. It was a great goal. In the end, we win.”

He added: "If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card. I'm not sure, I haven't seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don't know why he comes up to my face."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was among those left in disbelief that Gabriel was allowed to remain on the pitch.

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Speaking on commentary, he said: “Now why did you do that, Gabriel? You can put your heads against each other, I got done in a game a long time ago, the moment you throw it forward you get a red. I can’t believe that’s not a red to be honest.”

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean added: “They have gone head to head, it’s not excessive force by Gabriel, the way the game has gone with them two, I’d say a yellow card is just right, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if Gabriel had been sent off.”

“Just looking at it again, Gabriel is very lucky not to be sent off. I think he’s very lucky, very lucky indeed.”

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