Erling Haaland has explained why he refused to go down during a heated clash with Gabriel Magalhaes in Manchester City’s win over Arsenal.
The incident came during another intense battle between the two sides at the Etihad Stadium. Tempers flared late in the game.
Gabriel appeared to push his head into Haaland after a physical duel. Both players received yellow cards, but many felt the Arsenal defender could have seen red.
Haaland, however, made a different choice. The Manchester City striker said:
“I think that is a red card, most of you agree with me on this – if I go down, it’s a red card.
“But I would never do this. My father taught me this – stay on your feet and don’t be a… it starts with P.
“That’s the reality. Maybe, yes, I should have gone down, maybe it would be easier, but I didn’t and I got a yellow card for it.”
The Norwegian also revealed the physical toll the match took on him. He ended the game with scratches and a torn shirt after repeated battles with Gabriel.
“I think my shirt got a bit pulled! I didn’t get the foul, this is the Premier League nowadays.
“It’s wrestling here and there. A lot of duels. A lot of scratches.
“Sometimes my missus is not so happy about this, it looks a bit wrong! But that’s the reality.”
Now, the result itself could prove decisive. Manchester City moved within touching distance of Arsenal at the top of the table.
A win against Burnley would take them level and pile even more pressure on their rivals. For Haaland, though, the focus remains clear.
The Premier League’s top scorer refused to engage in theatrics, even if it may have changed the outcome of the moment.
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