Erling Haaland sends message to Gabriel after 'headbutt' controversy - 'I won the battle'

Erling Haaland sends message to Gabriel after 'headbutt' controversy - 'I won the battle'Manchester City striker Erling Haaland once again clashed with Arsenal defender Gabriel as the two teams came together at the Etihad Stadium and the Norwegian has now spoken outCommentsSportDaniel Orme Sports Writer19:40, 19 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesGabriel and Erling Haaland clashed once more at the Etihad(Image: Getty Images)Erling Haaland claims Arsenal’s Gabriel was lucky to avoid a red card after the pair’s controversial clash at the Etihad. City secured what could potentially be a decisive victory on Sunday afternoon by winning 2-1.‌The victory sees Pep Guardiola’s side reduce Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table to just three points with a game in hand. Haaland was once again on the scoresheet against the North London side.‌Away from his goal, Haaland was involved in one of the main flashpoints of the game as he went head-to-head with Arsenal defender Gabriel. The latter appeared to throw his forehead forwards but neither VAR nor the referee deemed the incident to be worthy of a red card, with the pair both cautioned.‌Asked about the clash, Haaland suggested that the Brazilian could have been dismissed had he been a bit more dramatic. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think it's always like this. A lot of fighting and these kind of things.READ MORE: Sky Sports forced to apologise for X-rated Erling Haaland interview after Man City beat ArsenalREAD MORE: Man City vs Arsenal player ratings as 9/10 star shines in huge win for Pep GuardiolaFOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page"That's others to decide if I won that battle. Of course, I scored the goal. I won that battle in the decisive moment, the cross was perfect. It was a great goal. In the end, we win.”‌He added: "If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red c...