There were a number of big talking points during Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, as you would expect for a big match.
But there were none more so than what happened between Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes in the 83rd minute.
Billed as the Premier League title showdown, Manchester City led 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium – a scoreline they would go on to hold on to to close the gap at the top of the table to just three points – thanks to goals from Rayan Cherki and Haaland, sandwiched by a Kai Havertz goal.
Erling Haaland Expected Red Card To Be Shown
With tensions and emotions running high, City were awarded a free-kick by Anthony Taylor after Arsenal defender Gabriel was all over the back of the Norwegian striker on the halfway line.
In turning to get on with play, Haaland pushed the Brazilian centre-back, who stood his ground and the pair went head-to-head. But before they came apart, Gabriel pushed his head into Haaland’s in a headbutting action.
To his credit, Haaland did not fall to the floor clutching his face, and that may have saved the Arsenal defender from the worst possible punishment. Taylor called both players back together and gave them a yellow card apiece, with VAR not getting involved to suggest a red card for the Gunners man, when many felt that was what was deserved.
Speaking after the game, Haaland said: “I think it’s a red card. I think most agree with me. If I go down like any other guy, it’s a red card. It’s not something I would do. My father taught me to stay on your feet.
“That’s the reality. Should I have gone down? Maybe. Then it would’ve been easier. But I didn’t and I got a yellow card. I don’t know why.”
The Premier League Match Centre on X posted soon after the incident: “The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.”
No Gabriel Red Card Has Knock-On Effect For Three Teams
Normally, when a player moves his head towards another player it is deemed as a headbutt and a red card, but not on this occasion, saving Gabriel and Arsenal from what could have been big problems not only in the final stages of the game with City, but in the coming weeks too.
Had Gabriel been sent off, he would have served a three-match ban for violent conduct, meaning he would have missed the games with Newcastle United, Fulham and West Ham in the coming weeks.
That would have hurt Arsenal’s title bid immensely and it would have had a potential knock-on effect for those teams they are due to play too.
All three of those clubs would much rather face an Arsenal side without Gabriel in it and they would certainly have legitimate cause for complaint to the PGMOL. West Ham have more riding on Gabriel’s involvement in their fixture than the others, with the Hammers battling Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham against relegation from the Premier League.
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