Haaland Claims Gabriel Should Have Received a Red Card

Manchester City's Erling Haaland believes Arsenal's Gabriel should have been ejected from the game for attempting to headbutt him during City's 2-1 victory. Haaland outmuscled Gabriel to score the winning goal, and the two players clashed afterwards. Gabriel leaned his head into Haaland, but both players received yellow cards from referee Anthony Taylor. Former official Mike Dean and Sky Sports' Gary Neville agree that Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card. Haaland stated, 'I think it's a red card. If I go down like any other guy, it's a red card.' He also credited his father for teaching him to stay on his feet. The incident was reviewed by former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher and Jay Bothroyd, who had differing opinions. Gallagher believed the outcome was fair, while Bothroyd thought Gabriel was lucky. Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher also weighed in, saying Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card. Haaland's goal helped City close the gap with league leaders Arsenal to three points, with a game in hand. Haaland remains focused on his team's performance, saying, 'We should just focus on ourselves. In three days, it's a new game.'