Haaland's 65th-minute strike secured the three points for Manchester City in a pivotal Premier League clash. After the match, the striker reflected on his contribution, stating he lets others decide if he won the battle, but he scored the decisive goal.
The victory was marred by a controversial incident in the closing stages when Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes made a headbutting motion toward Haaland during a physical confrontation. Haaland said he has not seen a replay of the incident with Gabriel Magalhaes. The striker emphasized his stance on not diving easily, noting he will not fall easily unless someone really attacks him.
I think if I fell on the floor there which I will not do unless someone really attacks me I think maybe it would be a red card, I'm not sure.
The referee issued a yellow card to Gabriel Magalhaes for the incident with Erling Haaland. According to one report, VAR reviewed the incident and determined Gabriel Magalhaes did not use excessive force. The exact reason why VAR did not recommend a red card for Gabriel Magalhaes's headbutting motion remains unclear, and it is unknown whether Haaland's decision not to fall influenced the referee's and VAR's decisions.
Haaland offered a broader perspective on the physical nature of the match, believing there is always a lot of fighting in such matches. He stated it's up to others to decide if he won that battle or not. More pointedly, Haaland believes he saved Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes from a red card during Manchester City's win over Arsenal. He elaborated that if he fell on the floor there which he will not do unless someone really attacks him, maybe it would be a red card, though he is not sure.
I haven't seen the situation to be honest but it is what it is. I will not fall on the floor easily like this so a yellow card for me I don't know why, he comes up to my face it is what it is.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, named man of the match, provided his assessment of the team's performance and the season outlook. According to one report, Silva said it's a long season with many small details not going their way earlier. He also noted, according to one report, that they played a good game overall and were proud of the performance.
The result has significant implications for the Premier League title race. Manchester City is three points behind Arsenal with one game in hand after the victory. According to one report, Manchester City will go top of the Premier League table if they win their next match against Burnley, due to superior goal difference. According to one report, Haaland said every game is a final and emphasized focusing on the next match against Burnley. Whether Gabriel Magalhaes will face any additional disciplinary action from the FA for the headbutting motion is yet to be determined.
I think it's always like this, a lot of fighting and things like this. It's up to others to decide if I won that battle or not.
I scored the goal so I won the battle in that moment, it was a great goal, it was a decisive moment and we win.
I think every game is a final. On Wednesday we have a new final. When we are done speaking here, it's about recovering and preparing for Burnley. That is as important as this one and Chelsea before.
It's a long season. A lot of small details didn't go our way this season. Also unlucky plays, we missed a lot of chances. A lot of games we should have won. Today things went our way. I'm really happy.
We were very good until we made the mistake and it changed the mood after the 30th minute. Second half was tough because it looked like we were in control of the game but always felt they were very dangerous. Two big chances in a row. These big games are like this. Small details make the difference. But overall we played a good game. I'm really proud.
I will never throw myself, says the Man City striker to Sky.
I always think it's like this. A lot of fights and such things, says Haaland to Sky Sports.
I let others decide if I won the battle. I scored the goal, of course. I won the battle in the decisive moment, the pass was perfect. It was a nice goal and in the end we won.
If I go to the grass there, which I don't do unless someone really attacks me, then maybe it would have been a red card. I'm not sure, I haven't seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not throw myself. I don't know why he would be in my face.