Gabriel sends hostile warning to Erling Haaland in cold response to Manchester City star
Gabriel has warned Manchester City players that Arsenal will be “looking forward” to their revenge in February.
Title rivals for the past two seasons, the two clubs played out a 2-2 draw on Sunday, and to say tensions arose would be an understatement.
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It seemed the rivalry really came to a head at the Etihad, and Erling Haaland summed up the mood between the parties when he He threw the ball at Gabriel's head after Manchester City's last-minute equaliser.
Now, the Gunner defender has warned: “We are waiting for you on our pitch.”
The video assistant referee (VAR) reviewed Haaland's controversial move but decided no action was necessary as it did not warrant a red card.
At the time, Gabriel had his shirt over his head in frustration and did not appear to react to his fellow goalscorer Haaland's play at the time.
However, he has since insisted that incidents like that are normal in football, but have also fanned the flames of their rivalry.
He said: “No, I don't remember. I don't remember. It's normal. But anyway, congratulations to the team for the draw.”
“As I said, fighting, war, provocation are normal in football and are part of the game. It's over now. We're waiting for them on our pitch.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright was not so tolerant of Haaland's move, however.
He described the Norwegian striker's throwing of the ball as a “cowardly act.”
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“But you know what really infuriated me? Haaland's cowardly action,” Wright said.
“I saw him well this morning, throwing the ball at Gabi's head when he's not looking, when his back is turned.
“What a cowardly gesture. Gabi would look you in the eyes.
“I see this being a very good defender vs striker for the next few years, I love watching them both, and then you're making a cowardly move like that.
“No, man, that’s what bothers me the most. I thought you were bigger than that, bro. I thought you were bigger than that.”
Gabriel and Haaland were seen rowing each other over at the final whistle, with Arsenal debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly, 17, coming between the two.
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The Manchester City talisman then appeared to ask the youngster 'Who the fuck are you?'
Haaland was also caught on camera telling Arteta to “stay humble” but the Spaniard had a cold response.
He also crashed into Arsenal's Thomas Partey after colliding with him in the centre circle before the restart after City had made it 2-2 again.
Despite the post-match scenes, the Football Association (FA) confirmed that no retrospective action would be taken.
The teams will meet again at the Emirates Stadium on February 1.
