Erling Haaland gives Arsenal a perfect title motivation as rivalry continues 

Erling Haaland gives Arsenal a perfect title motivation as rivalry continues

Erling Haaland has yet to score in the Premier League since he told Mikel Arteta to stay humble following the 2-2 draw between Manchester City and Arsenal several weeks ago. The international break has since arrived and offered the opportunity for the Norwegian to speak to the media ahead of his side’s Nations League matches.

 

 

Prior to his comment toward the Arsenal manager, and in the celebrations of the equaliser, the striker was spotted throwing a ball at the back of Gabriel Magalhaes’ head. This sparked anger amongst supporters with some going as far as to say he should have been sent off.

 

Former referee Dermot Gallagher speaking on Sky Sports’ ref watch refused to be drawn on any potential punishment he should have faced. Fellow presenters Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith simply agreed that it was an amusing incident.

 

“Running the risk of another melee, aren’t you, because this is what happens afterwards,” said Gallagher. “It’s just pulled back to 2-2, tempers are high.

 

 

“It was a really tough game to referee there’s no doubt about that. He [Oliver] had his hands full from the first minute and that’s how it culminated.”

 

 

Asked ahead of Norway’s match with Slovenia on Thursday evening, Haaland was asked about the incident. His answer lacked any apology which is perhaps predictable.

 

It was in the heat of the moment and a lot of stuff happened in that game,” Haaland said. “Things that happen on the football pitch stay there and that’s how it is.”

 

Pushed on whether he regretted the incident, Haaland replied: “I don’t regret much in life.” The pair do not meet again until the start of February which in the context of the season is relatively soon, with City being just the fifth reverse fixture of the campaign for the Gunners.

 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has showered praise on Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, admitting that he has never seen the Nigerian international perform at such an exceptional level, according to OwnGoalNigeria.

 

 

 

Iwobi’s impressive display for Fulham in their 2-3 loss to Manchester City caught Guardiola’s attention, with the Spanish tactician singling out the midfielder for special recognition.

 

“Fulham have a lot of weapons and speed,” Guardiola noted in his post-match assessment. “I have never seen Iwobi in the form he is playing.”

 

Currently with the Nigeria national team preparing for back-to-back AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Libya, Iwobi’s scintillating form has boosted expectations. The 27-year-old will be eager to replicate his club performances on the international stage.

 

 

Nigeria faces Libya on October 11 and 15, and Iwobi’s creative spark could prove pivotal. His previous outing at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo saw him excel in a 3-0 win over Benin Republic, and he’ll aim to build on that display.

 

 

Iwobi’s exceptional form has also sparked optimism among Fulham fans, who will rely on him to drive their team’s Premier League campaign. With Guardiola’s endorsement, Iwobi’s reputation continues to grow, and his performances will be closely watched by top European clubs.

 

As Nigeria seeks to qualify for AFCON 2025, Iwobi’s influence will be crucial. His ability to unlock opposition defenses and create scoring opportunities could prove decisive in the qualifiers.

 

 

Guardiola’s praise serves as a testament to Iwobi’s hard work and dedication. With his confidence soaring, Iwobi is poised to make a significant impact

for both Fulham and the Super Eagles.