Gabriel Magalhaes downplayed the significance of his altercation with Erling Haaland in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, claiming that ‘provocation is usual’ after the striker was seen throwing the ball at his head.
Sunday’s heavyweight Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium proved to be a highly contentious and heated affair, with tensions spilling over on many times over the 90 minutes.
Arsenal, looking for their first win at the stadium in over a decade, came back magnificently after Haaland’s early opening to grab a 2-1 lead at halftime, with Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel scoring.
And the Gunners appeared to be on their way to a memorable triumph after Leandro Trossard was sent off on the stroke of halftime, only for John Stones to fumble home a thrilling last-ditch equalizer for the champions in the final minutes of the game.
Haaland and Gabriel were at odds for the most part, with replays showing the City striker slamming the ball at the back of the Brazilian’s head immediately following Stones’ stoppage-time goal.
When asked if he felt the ball impact his head, Gabriel told TNT Sports Brasil, ‘No, I don’t remember it. I don’t recall it. It’s normal.
‘But, regardless, congrats to the team on the draw.
‘As I have stated, warfare, war, and provocation are typical in football and part of the game.
‘It is over now.
‘We are now waiting for them at our house.’
Gabriel feels Arsenal’s competition with City is ‘increasing’ all the time, and Pep Guardiola’s team is fully aware of the threat they offer in this season’s championship fight.
“The rivalry will always exist, and I believe it is growing more and more,” the defender remarked.
We know their quality, and they know ours as well.
‘So I believe we are evolving step by step, and we must continue to learn along the way.
Arsenal’s tenacious effort drew considerable plaudits, but it irritated City’s players, who accused Mikel Arteta’s team of spending too much time as they fiercely defended their slender advantage in the second half.
I believe it is what they are looking for; this is always the case when we play against them. “That’s what they’re looking for: drama,” the City defender stated in the mixed zone following the draw.
‘We’re going hard early, defending with 11 men in their own box, and then going for set pieces to attempt to score a goal.
I mean, it worked for them. If they’re satisfied with one point, we’re not really. Obviously, we sought for more, but I believe they are satisfied with what they have.
