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.
Denne historien er fra April 02, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra April 02, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.
