Erling Haaland believes Arsenal defender Gabriel should have received a red card for his attempted headbutt during Manchester City's 2-1 Premier League win. The clash intensified after Haaland outmuscled Gabriel to score the decisive goal, with tensions peaking as both players confronted each other. Gabriel leaned into Haaland, but referee Anthony Taylor only issued yellow cards. Former referee Mike Dean called it a missed red, while Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville argued such headbutts are typically sent-offs.

Haaland stated, "I think it's a red card," emphasizing his restraint prevented harsher consequences. Neville added that Gabriel's action risked a suspension if City had conceded late, highlighting the incident’s severity. Former officials Dermot Gallagher and Jay Bothroyd disagreed: Gallagher defended the decision, while Bothroyd insisted Gabriel violated rules by targeting Haaland’s head. The controversy underscores the physicality of the Man City-Arsenal rivalry, with Haaland focusing on securing a fifth consecutive win against the Gunners. Manchester City now sit three points behind leaders Arsenal, needing a victory over Burnley on Wednesday to reclaim the Premier League summit. Haaland stressed the team’s focus on self-improvement over mind games, stating, "We should just focus on ourselves.".