Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is proving why he is one of the greatest forwards in the world this summer with Norway
Erling Haaland scores for Norway as he beats Gabriel in the air
Erling Haaland scores for Norway as he beats Gabriel in the air(Image: Jewel SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images)
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For those less acquainted with the Premier League, Brazil vs Norway was being pitted as a battle between Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland. However, Manchester City and Arsenal fans knew the real battle would be between the Norwegian talisman and defender Gabriel.
Their feud is now steeped in history. From Haaland lobbing the ball at Gabriel's head following a last minute equaliser at the Etihad Stadium, to the centre-back thrusting an ill-advised head towards the striker during a feisty clash in April, these players' fierce rivalry has become blockbuster viewing.
"What happens on the football pitch stays there," Haaland said previously of his battle with Gabriel. "That’s just how it is. It’s a battle, a war, so it’s normal to have provocative acts in football. It’s part of the game."
"I did it (the celebration) because he threw the ball at my head, to provoke him the way he provoked me," Gabriel chimed after gloating during a convincing 5-1 victory for Arsenal against City. "The moment we scored, he was right next to me, so I went straight to shouting in his ear."
While they may not like each other, they do respect each other. And that's why their battles have become must see.
For the first time, this storied rivalry was played out at the World Cup and there was only one winner afterwards. When his country needed him most, Haaland delivered. He rose beyond Gabriel to power a header past Alisson to set Norway on their way before firing home a spectacular second to leave Brazil on the brink.
Crashing out of the World Cup summed up a mixed 2026 for Gabriel. While he will have taken positives from winning the Premier League, it has been downhill ever since as he missed the crucial penalty in the Champions League final before this latest disappointment against his old foe in New Jersey.
"He’s [Haaland] a massive character, a personality, and sometimes it’s said about these players that he never did it on the world stage - and that’s now been removed," Gary Neville explained on ITV Sport post-match as he provided his verdict on this latest battle. "I’m absolutely delighted for him."
The same praise could not be found for the Arsenal man. "I’m fuming with Gabriel," Neville continued. "He knows that centre-forward better than anybody.
"For him to stay five yards off him and go for a straight race on a header - with Haaland - absolutely crazy. I can’t believe it.
"There’s one man in the box. The advantage the defender has there is to go and block his run, block his run, get tight to him. But he’s the best at that Haaland. Once he gets a run on you and he jumps, you’ve no chance, you’re dead. And it’s a brilliant header."
"I don’t know how he didn’t see him," Neville concluded. "He’s about 14ft 2’. He’s massive. And actually he’s sort of in a decent position, Gabriel, where he’s side on.
"So you’re just thinking, as the ball’s about to be crossed, go and make contact, don’t let him have a run. I’m surprised Gabriel, in this type of game, as prepared as he would be, knowing him as well as he does, hasn’t done that."
Haaland let his football do the talking and that's so often the case for the City man. "If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up being a goal," he said post-match. "I don't know how I do it, but that's how it is. I almost think it's a gift from God when 2-0 goes in."
Fresh off the back of this decisive win, Haaland heads to Miami with England in his sights and while City fans will have rejoiced at seeing him send Gabriel and Co. packing, more than a few will be hoping he has a rare off day this weekend.