Ian Holloway has taken aim at Arsenal for not learning from Erling Haaland's 'stay humble' message after their 2-2 draw against Man City earlier this season - as they finish trophyless again
17:08, 15 May 2025
Ian Holloway
Ian Holloway hit out at Arsenal's antics(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)
Ian Holloway has criticised Arsenal for not taking on board Erling Haaland's "stay humble" message following the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
After the two clubs drew at the Etihad in September, Haaland hit out at Mikel Arteta and Arsenal players, seeing Gunners fans embark on a social media frenzy which even spilt into the players. However, taunts back at Haaland have backfired as Arsenal will end the season trophyless again and potentially even behind City in the table.
Holloway was left disappointed with Myles Lewis-Skelly for imitating Haaland's yoga meditation goal celebration, saying, "I doubt if Erling had any clue the reaction his advice would get after City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the 2024/25 season. To say it gave Arsenal the hump is an understatement, but what I didn't like was the way Arsenal behaved in the return match at the Emirates.
"Why was Lewis-Skelly taking the mickey by copying Haaland's goal celebration? Until you've won something, son, I'd advise you just get on with playing football because I wouldn't have been happy if I was his manager."
Speaking to the Mirror, the former Premier League boss with Blackpool and Crystal Palace also questioned Gabriel's conduct when he got in Haaland's face, saying, "And what is Gabriel doing in Haaland's face after they scored the first goal? The referee should have booked Gabriel for ungentlemanly conduct.
Myles Lewis-Skelly echoed Erling Haaland's celebration
Myles Lewis-Skelly echoed Erling Haaland's celebration(Image: Getty Images)
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"When I was growing up, senior pros would never have allowed that Lewis-Skelly celebration to happen because if you did, you'd better be able to back it up with a few winner's medals in your locker first.
"I think I'm right in saying Lewis-Skelly - who is a fantastic prospect, no argument - has won nothing yet."
Respect is a major part of Holloway's approach and he was left appalled when his Swindon players brazenly taunted Bradford City's Jack Shepherd following an own goal that decided the match in a thrilling 5-4 victory. Holloway has reinstilled belief into the club and steered the team from the bottom of the Football League to a mid-table finish.
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"This place was feeling a little bit sorry for itself, but we've climbed the table and we've had a laugh doing it," Holloway remarked.
"Football is about enjoyment so we've had some fun and I can't thank the players enough. I've only been here six months but we found some consistency and now they've extended my contract another three years - happy days."