Pep Guardiola accepts Erling Haaland’s emotions may have got the better of him in Manchester City’s heated clash with Arsenal last September.
But the City manager insists it was a rare lapse from a player who continually rises above persistent attempts by opponents to unsettle him.
City striker Haaland was involved in a long-running battle with Gunners defender Gabriel in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium and tensions boiled over after John Stones’ stoppage-time equaliser.
Haaland threw the ball at Gabriel’s head and there were further angry scenes after the final whistle. The Norwegian told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” amid the fiery exchanges.
“I’m surprised how he controls his emotions,” said Guardiola ahead of Sunday’s Premier League return encounter between the sides at the Emirates Stadium.
“Do you know that in every action he’s being pulled and the referee plays on? How many times has it happened? He’s never complained. He behaves incredibly well.
“When he pushes, it’s his fault – that’s for sure, 100 per cent – but he controls himself.
“He got emotional one time. For one day, I’m going to adjudicate what Erling has done? No, come on.
I'm surprised how he controls his emotions.
“It was not easy when you’re (playing) 90 minutes then Gabriel, the central defender, pushes him, hugs him and hacks him and hugs him and kisses him and these things. At the end, he’s a human being, he has to react.
“We cannot blame Erling. It’s the defender that pushed Erling. All central defenders in the Premier League go against him. You know it’s going to happen.
“Arsenal are a physical team – in a good way in many aspects – but at the end, what happened at the end for the emotions, happened. It’s absolutely done.”
Haaland opened the scoring for City in the September meeting but Arsenal hit back to lead and looked like holding on, despite playing the second half with 10 men, until Stones had the final say late on.
City were frustrated by Arsenal’s perceived negative tactics – or so-called dark arts – throughout the second period.
“Listen, I never use that word (dark arts) in the media,” said Guardiola. “Everyone can do whatever they want in their team. There is a referee who has to intervene when it’s not fair.
“Of course, I do whatever I want with my team but I think we are an incredible, incredible, fair-play team. Sometimes too much.
“But this is where it is. They had success in that way. We continue.”
