Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has said he has no regrets over his controversial incident with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes during their Premier League clash.
Softfootball has reported Haaland’s goal-machine form has continued to leave defenders helpless, with the Norwegian striker once again proving why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football. However, his fiery moment against Arsenal has also kept him in the headlines.
Haaland came under criticism after throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head from close range during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The incident happened in a tense match between two Premier League title rivals, but Haaland insists he will not apologize for what happened.
Speaking to Daily Mail, the Norwegian said emotions can sometimes take over during big games.
“I don’t regret much in life,” Haaland said.
In the heat of the moment, things happened in that game. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. That’s how it is.
Gabriel, however, played down the incident when asked about it. Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, the Arsenal defender said he did not see it as a major issue and described such moments as part of football.
I don’t even remember this. It’s normal; they were happy after scoring in the last minute,
Gabriel said.
They were playing at home, so their duty was to win the match, but our team did really well to resist.
The Brazilian added that football can be like a battle, especially when two top teams are fighting for important points.
“It’s a battle, a war, so it’s normal to have provocative acts in football; it’s part of the game. Now this is over, and we are waiting for them at our ground,” he added.
With both clubs expected to remain in the title race, the next meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal is already shaping up to be another intense encounter.
