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Erling Haaland faced a challenging return match against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, marked by moments of tension and retaliation. The encounter at Emirates Stadium saw Haaland being taunted by two opponents, one of whom was a teenager, in response to his actions in their previous meeting at City's Etihad Stadium.
The lingering resentment from their initial 2-2 draw was evident as Arsenal dominated the match, ultimately defeating City 5-1. Gabriel, one of Haaland's opponents, seized the opportunity to celebrate in front of Haaland after Martin Odegaard scored an early goal for Arsenal. Additionally, Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old player, mimicked Haaland's signature celebration after scoring Arsenal's third goal.
In the previous encounter between the teams, Haaland had made remarks that appeared to belittle Lewis-Skelly during an on-field confrontation. Lewis-Skelly's participation in the match was only possible after a controversial red card decision against him was overturned from the previous game against Wolverhampton.
The Premier League highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the teams, emphasizing the tension that persisted. The league's official platform, followed by millions, posted an image of the Gabriel-Haaland incident with the caption: 'The latest chapter in the long-running Erling Haaland vs. Gabriel series.'
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Throughout the match, instances of animosity were evident, such as Gabriel's refusal to accept Haaland's assistance after a free kick and Haaland's gesture towards the Premier League badge on Gabriel's jersey. The competitive spirit extended to the fans, with one Arsenal supporter displaying a sign that read 'Stay humble, eh?' and the stadium playing Kendrick Lamar's 'Humble' at the final whistle.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice acknowledged the intensity of the match, referencing the previous encounter at the Etihad Stadium and the subsequent buildup of tension. The match showcased the competitive nature of the Premier League and the passion it ignites among players and fans alike.
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