Gabriel Magalhaes seemed to push Haaland away with his head during Manchester City's 2-1 win over Arsenal, with Wayne Rooney saying the defender was 'lucky' to avoid a red card
Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland were involved in an altercation during Manchester City's win against Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland were involved in an altercation during Manchester City's win against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney has told Gabriel Magalhaes he was "lucky" to escape a red card after headbutting Erling Haaland during Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
The flashpoint happened in the 83rd minute when Gabriel and Haaland came head-to-head after the Arsenal defender – who had difficulties coping with Haaland all day – fouled the City striker in the middle of the pitch.
After being brought down, Haaland responded by shoving the Brazilian with considerable force. Gabriel took exception and the pair ended up face-to-face.
Gabriel then appeared to thrust Haaland away with his head, prompting City's players to call for the Arsenal man to be dismissed as they perceived a headbutt.
Referee Anthony Taylor issued yellow cards to both Gabriel and Haaland, while VAR reviewed the incident more closely but opted to uphold the on-field ruling.
But Manchester United legend Rooney reckons that Gabriel was fortunate to stay on the pitch rather than receive a straight red card. Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Rooney said: "A little bit of handbags, and Gabriel's probably a little bit lucky, I think, to stay on the pitch."
Gabriel and Haaland were embroiled in a fierce contest throughout the match, with the City striker getting the upper hand on several occasions, most notably when he netted what turned out to be the decisive goal.
"Yeah, it was a good old-school battle, wasn't it? Between the two top players, I really enjoyed Haaland's performance today," Rooney added. "He had his intentions right from the start, closing the goalkeeper down, putting pressure on the Arsenal back line all afternoon.
Gabriel of Arsenal clashes with Erling Haaland of Manchester City
Gabriel of Arsenal clashes with Erling Haaland of Manchester City(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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"He had his positioning just off the back of Gabriel. Great movement, gets across the front room. Probably should do a little bit better with the finish, but again, all day, he was causing Arsenal problems. He had just been in the right place, been a nuisance, not switching off, anticipating where the ball's going to drop."
Haaland managed to muscle past Gabriel inside the penalty area before spinning and drilling the ball into the net in the second half to restore City's lead, after Kai Havertz had levelled following Rayan Cherki's opener.
"Then the goal, I really like. He's always on the back of Gabriel. He can always see his number, and now Gabriel doesn't know where he is," Rooney continued.
"Then he gets involved, and once Gabriel gets involved, he loses focus, he loses positioning. Erling Haaland is a strong man. Uses all his power, and that's a fantastic finish."
Erling Haaland and Gabriel
Erling Haaland and Gabriel were both booked for the incident(Image: Getty Images)
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Rooney made it plain that Gabriel had a thoroughly miserable time dealing with Haaland on Sunday. The United legend added: "Again, he had these little battles. Knocking him off his feet, making him have to touch him, have to foul him. He didn't like it.
"He didn't like it at all. And again, he had his all over his back. Haaland's being strong, being a nuisance. This is what you want to see from Erling Haaland in every game. If he does this, he is unplayable."
City's 2-1 victory has closed the gap to just THREE points behind league leaders Arsenal in the title race. However, Pep Guardiola's men could draw level - and leapfrog into top spot - should they beat Burnley in their game in hand on Wednesday.
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