Erling Haaland’s three-word message to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been revealed as tempers flared at the end of Sunday’s pulsating draw with Manchester City.
Players from both sides clashed after John Stones’ dramatic last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw between the Premier League title rivals at the Etihad Stadium, and again after the final whistle.
Haaland - who coolly opened the scoring early on with his 100th goal in City colours in what was his 105th appearance for the club across all competitions - was a central figure in those scenes as emotions boiled over at the end of a feisty contest, having picked up the ball and thrown it at the back of the head of Arsenal defender Gabriel following Stones’ goal.
Haaland and Gabriel were at the centre of the heated bust-up that ensued and saw players from both teams get involved, with the Norwegian striker also then remonstrating with Arsenal substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly as he also got involved in the row along with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White.
Now Haaland - who also collided with Thomas Partey immediately following the kick-off after Stones’ goal at the Etihad - has caught even more heat from Arsenal fans after television footage confirmed exactly what he said to Gunners boss Arteta on the pitch following the final whistle on Sunday.
“Stay humble eh,” Haaland told Arteta as he patted the Arsenal manager on the back. “Stay humble eh.”
The nearby Gabriel Jesus then took exception to that goading message from Haaland as the two strikers squared up to one another.
"Stay humble eh" 🔥
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 23, 2024
Listen to Erling Haaland's comments to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at full-time following the 2-2 draw 🚨 pic.twitter.com/sXVYrK7hw9
“Come... why you saying, you talking...,” former City striker Jesus said.
Haaland responded: “What? Talking about what? I wasn’t talking, f*****g clown.”
Haaland then appeared to push Jesus away, with the Arsenal forward firing back: “Don’t touch me.”
As Jack Grealish intervened to try and separate the pair, Haaland could be heard saying: “What you talking about, get the f**k away you f*****g clown.”
