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Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes has downplayed Erling Haaland launching the ball at his head during the 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League. The Gunners traveled to the Etihad on Sunday (September 22) to face the defending champions.
Mikel Arteta's side had a poor start to the game, as Haaland scored the first goal of the game in the ninth minute. Arsenal managed to gain the lead before half-time, courtesy of goals from Riccardo Calafiori (22') and Gabriel Magalhaes (45+1'). However, the Gunners were dealt a blow as Leandro Trossard was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite an admirable defensive display in the second period, the north Londoners failed to keep their lead as John Stones' stoppage-time strike saw Manchester City earn a point.
After the equalizer, Haaland threw the ball at the back of Magalhaes' head while celebrating. However, the Brazilian seemed unfazed as he rued a disappointing end for Arsenal.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil after the draw, Magalhaes was asked whether he felt the ball hit his head. He replied (via Metro):
"No, I don’t remember it. I don’t remember it. It’s normal. But anyway, congratulations to the team for the draw. As I said, battle, war, provocation is normal in football and it is part of the game. It’s over now. Now we are waiting for them at our house."
The Gunners will next face Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday (September 25).
"A real coward's move" - Ian Wright slams Erling Haaland for throwing ball at Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes' head
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has labeled Erling Haaland a 'coward' for launching the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes' head during the Manchester City draw. The pundit took to social media to criticize the Norwegian's action in the fixture.
Wright initially spoke about Trossard's sending off, insisting it was the wrong decision. The Belgian picked up a second yellow card for delaying a restart at the tail end of the first half.
"So, I feel like I need to put something out there that's been bothering me. Because obviously the [Leandro] Trossard sending off, in the moment, you're frustrated, it's 2-1. I'm thinking: 'Yes, we've got them' and then he gets sent off for something that. Let's face it, it's f***ing foolishness what they are getting sent off for now. So, in the moment, yeah, but he shouldn't be sent off for that," Wright said.
The Englishman added on Haaland's behavior:
"But you know what really boiled me up properly was Haaland's coward's move. I saw it this morning properly. Throwing the ball at Gabby's head when he's not looking, when Gabby's back is turned to him. A real coward's move. Gabby would look you in the eye."
Ian Wright made 282 appearances at Arsenal, scoring 180 goals and providing 31 assists.
