Gabriel Magalhães has downplayed his altercation with Erling Haaland during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City, suggesting that ‘provocation is normal’ after the striker was caught on camera throwing the ball at his head.
The heated Premier League showdown on Sunday was marked by controversy and tension, with emotions running high throughout the 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal, aiming for their first victory at the Etihad in almost a decade, staged a commendable comeback after Haaland’s early goal, taking a 2-1 lead by halftime with goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel.
The Gunners appeared to be on the verge of a historic win after Leandro Trossard was sent off just before halftime. However, John Stones scored a last-minute equalizer for City, securing a dramatic draw for the reigning champions.
Throughout the match, Haaland and Gabriel were involved in a heated exchange, with replays showing the City striker throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head following Stones’ late goal.
When aked whether he felt the ball strike his head, Gabriel told TNT Sports Brasil: ‘No, I don’t remember it. I don’t remember it. It’s normal.
‘But anyway, congratulations to the team for the draw.
‘As I said, battle, war, provocation is normal in football and it is part of the game. ‘It’s over now. ‘Now we are waiting for them at our house.’
Gabriel believes Arsenal’s rivalry with Man City is ‘growing’ all the time and Pep Guardiola’s side are well aware of the threat they pose in this season’s title race.
‘The rivalry will always exist and I think it is growing more and more,’ the defender added.
‘We know their quality and they know our quality too. ‘So I think we are growing step by step and we must continue learning along the way.’
Arsenal’s determined display earned plenty of praise, but it irritated Manchester City’s players, who accused Mikel Arteta’s side of excessive time-wasting as they fought hard to protect their slim lead in the second half.
Bernardo Silva was among the first to criticize Arsenal’s defensive tactics after the match, labeling their approach as negative. Manuel Akanji echoed these sentiments, accusing the visitors of deliberately “seeking out” confrontations.
‘I think it’s what they’re looking for, it’s always the way when we play against them. That’s what they’re looking for: drama,’ the City defender said in the mixed zone after the draw.
‘Going hard early doors, defend, 11 players in their own box and then go on set-pieces and try to score a goal.
‘I mean it worked for them. If they’re happy with one point… we’re not really. Obviously we tried to get more but I think that’s what they’re happy with.’
