By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2025-02-01 22:36:39 | Updated at 2025-02-02 01:59:47
3 hours ago
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City's Erling Haaland confronts Arsenal defender Gabriel at Etihad Stadium in September
It was one of the games of the season.
Manchester City v Arsenal in September at Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal led, then went down to 10 men.
They then mounted a magnificent rearguard action as they withstood wave after wave of City's attacks before John Stones scrambled home an equaliser seconds from time to snatch a 2-2 draw.
And then it all kicked off.
Erling Haaland threw a ball at a dejected Gabriel's head amid the goal celebrations.
When the final whistle went, Haaland told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to "stay humble".
The moment went viral swiftly, while Stones and Kyle Walker accused the Gunners of deploying the "dark arts" in their post-match interviews.
This was also the match City's crucial midfielder Rodri sustained the injury that ruled him out for the season.
Going into the game, Pep Guardiola's team, champions for the previous four seasons, were top with a perfect record. Arsenal were also unbeaten and close behind.
It felt like the pair, separated by two points at the top last season, were again likely to play out the title race.
They meet at Emirates Stadium on Sunday 133 days later. Things are very different now yet the rematch is still eagerly awaited amid the backdrop of tension.
In the build-up both camps have been praising the other and, well, staying humble...
'In the end a human being has to react' - Guardiola on Haaland
At his pre-match news conference, Guardiola defended Haaland for his "stay humble" comment.
The words have been used against the Norwegian in the months since as rival fans, revelling in City's troubled campaign, have turned the focus back on him.
Having seen what Haaland has to put up with on a weekly basis in the Premier League, Guardiola is surprised the 24-year-old doesn't lose his cool more often.
"For Erling it's not easy," said Guardiola. "Arsenal is a physical team, in a good way, in many aspects.
"For 90 minutes, the central defender, Gabriel, push him, hack him, hug him and kiss him. The Premier League is that way.
"You have to stand up and defend your position. And now I am being asked to adjudicate on what Erling has done? I don't buy it.
"The end of the game was so emotional. In the end, a human being has to react."
Haaland's disciplinary record is remarkable.
The Norwegian has never been sent off as a City player and has been booked just three times in his past 54 Premier League appearances.
"I'm surprised how he controls his emotions" Guardiola said. "In every action, he's being pulled and the referee plays on.
"How many times does it happen? And he never complains. He behaves incredibly well."
I'm not saying dark arts - Guardiola
Guardiola has already written off City's chances of winning a fifth consecutive title because of the damage inflicted by the run of one win in 13 matches in all competitions at the end of last year.
Although his side have taken 13 points from their past five games and are back in the top four, they are now 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal are nine points behind Arne Slot's men but know defeat by City would badly damage any hopes of reaching the top spot.
That is likely to lead to a tense atmosphere at the Emirates.
"I'm not saying dark arts," Guardiola said. "I never use that word in the media. There is a referee who has to intervene when it's not fair.
"I know my players and how they behave. Of course I complain and give my opinion but I think we are an incredibly fair play team, sometimes too much. But we had success in that way and we will continue."
I don't take anything personally - Arteta
Arteta was Guardiola's assistant at City before he took the Arsenal job in 2019.
Both men have insisted their relationship has not changed amid the escalating rivalry.
"We wouldn't be talking on the phone, talking to each other and messaging each other and willing each other to do the best [if the relationship had changed]," said Arteta.
Reflecting on September's game, he said: "I don't take anything personally with what happens on the pitch.
"Since I have been a player, it stays there. The game's full of emotions. I just leave it aside and move on."
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who missed the match at the Etihad with injury, said: "We've been fighting against each other for the title so [the rivalry escalating] is a natural thing.
"That's how it should be and there should be a little bit of heat sometimes. And that is something everyone will have in mind going into the game - supporters and players - and maybe it brings that extra tension."
