‘I understand it’ - Guardiola makes a case for Haaland following his challenge on Gabriel
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Guardiola makes a case for Haaland || X

‘I understand it’ - Guardiola makes a case for Haaland following his challenge on Gabriel

Stephen Oladehinde 13:29 - 28.09.2024

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Erling Haaland’s challenge on Gabriel Magalhães last weekend.

Arsenal held Man City to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last weekend in a fierce encounter that saw Leandro Trossard sent off.

The midfielder was issued a second yellow card for delaying the restart, leading to Arsenal playing with 10 men and defending all through the second half.

The Citizens were able to salvage a draw at the last minute of the game, thanks to John Stone's goal.

Guardiola on Haaland’s challenge 

Guardiola has responded to a journalist who asked him what he felt about Haaland’s final-minute incident.

Guardiola, Man City manager || Imago
Guardiola, Man City manager || Imago

Regarding Haaland’s challenge of Gabriel in the final minutes of City vs Arsenal, Guardiola said, as reported by Fabrizio on X, "The emotions are the emotions".

"So I’m sure he’s not proud of what he did, but listen, in the type of challenge that Arsenal challenged us, I understand it.”

The Man City manager revealed that the action had to do with emotions and believes Haaland won't be proud of what he did but also claimed he understood why it happened.

Fans and pundits have criticised Haaland for his behaviour towards Gabriel after City equalised in the dying minute of the game.

Gabriel challenges Haaland for the ball || Imago
Gabriel challenges Haaland for the ball || Imago

The Norwegian threw a ball behind the head of the unlooking Gabriel as he ran to celebrate Stone's equaliser.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s team will travel to St James Park to face Newcastle as they look to bounce back from the draw against Arsenal.

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