EVEN after the full-time whistle had gone at the Etihad on Sunday, Erling Haaland and Gabriel were still going at each other.
The pair had been locked in a battle all game and more heated words were exchanged.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acted as mediator and eventually the pair embraced in a hug before breaking out into smiles.
For Gabriel, it was recognition of a job well done as Arsenal held City to a 0-0 draw to boost their title prospects. Few defences can keep Haaland quiet, but Arsenal have shut him out on three occasions this season.
Each time Haaland has failed to manage even a single shot on target and, as much as neutrals may not be enthralled by the prospect of Arsenal and City potentially meeting in the Champions League semi-finals after their dull stalemate at the weekend, you can bet the Norwegian feels the same.
Haaland, probably more than anyone from the blue side of Manchester, will be glad to see the back of Arsenal.
The Gunners' defence was lauded for its performance on Sunday but, not for the first time, it was William Saliba who claimed most of the spotlight.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
