Gary Neville called Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes ‘disrespectful’ for celebrating in front of Erling Haaland.
Gabriel, 27, raced over to Haaland and looked to ridicule the dejected Manchester City striker after Martin Odegaard put Arsenal ahead 1-0 inside the first two minutes. The Gunners went on to defeat the champions 5-1, therefore destroying Haaland and Co.’s chances of reclaiming the Premier League crown.
City’s talisman was public enemy number one at the Emirates on Sunday after advising Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to’stay humble’ during their rowdy 2-2 draw in September. But Neville didn’t think Gabriel’s actions toward Haaland were proper.
Read Also:Barcelona Expecting Unexpected Windfall From Transfer Drama In Italy
“I do not like it. I believe it’s a little disrespectful. “I know Haaland is the pantomime villain here today, but there was something about it that I didn’t like,” the former Manchester United captain said on his Sky Sports podcast.
“I was a lot of things, and winding people up was my game, but I never did it. I never screamed in a player’s face. “It made me feel uneasy.”
Haaland got back at Gabriel, who had been chirpy towards the Norwegian throughout the game, with a goal to equalize in the 55th minute, but City’s delight was short-lived. Thomas Partey restored Arsenal’s lead just 105 seconds later, and Myles Lewis-Skelly made it 3-1 shortly after.
The 18-year-old then celebrated by emulating Haaland’s famed meditation position, before Kai Havertz and substitute Ethan Nwaneri sealed the victory, keeping Arsenal’s title chances alive. The Gunners remain six points behind leaders Liverpool, who will play their game in hand away to Everton.
COMMENTS