Manchester City scored three second-half goals in quick succession to beat Chelsea 3-0, according to multiple reports. A Manchester City fan named Tal Rehman became a viral sensation after his Arsenal taunting antics were captured during the win, as reported by major media. Rehman produced an Arsenal-crested bottle and pretended to drink from it after Jeremy Doku scored in the 68th minute, major media reported.
According to Metro - Main, Tal Rehman described obtaining the bottle when City played Arsenal at the Etihad last year by asking for a drink from the Arsenal bench. Arsenal-themed water bottles were on sale outside the Etihad Stadium before Sunday's match, major media reported. Manchester City fans greeted their team coach with blue flares before the match, according to major media.
This time last year when we played Arsenal at the Etihad we sit close to the Arsenal bench and we asked for a drink because it was something we needed and obviously they passed us these bottles and I never thought of it.
Manchester City went into the match with momentum, having beaten Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month and progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals, major media reported. Arsenal lost to Bournemouth last weekend, leading to fans quipping they were 'bottling it', as reported by major media. According to Metro - Main, Tal Rehman described planning to take the bottle to London to taunt Arsenal fans.
According to Metro - Main, Tal Rehman described realizing he had the bottle at the stadium and deciding to use it when City went 3-0 up. According to Metro - Main, Tal Rehman described his actions as banter and emphasized respect for the game and fans. How Tal Rehman actually obtained the Arsenal bottle remains unclear, given his explanation is questioned by the article.
So the bottle, I thought I'll take it to London. If we see anybody at Euston or any of the Gooners in north London, I'll just show it to them. 'Have you got your bottle, son?'
It is also unknown whether Arsenal bottles were officially sold or just by enterprising fans outside the Etihad.
The next thing is I'm at the stadium and then I realise I had it in the bag. And when we went 3-0 up I thought showtime baby.
Unknown to me it's just banter, people must understand that I'm not a tribal fan, I'm a football fan. I respect the game, I respect the fans, respect the rules, everything.