Erling Haaland Speaks Out After Gabriel Magalhaes Headbutt Incident- 'Won't Fall Easily'

Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-1 at home in the Premier League and are now three points below them in the league table with a game in hand.

It is an important win in the title race, as Manchester City can overtake Arsenal and top the league table if they win their game in hand against Burnley on Wednesday.

Erling Haaland scored Manchester City's second goal of the game in the 65th minute, which gave them their victory. Haaland was able to get a foot in after being marked by Gabriel Magalhaes, who was constantly focused on the Norwegian striker.

The two players were constantly pulling each other's shirts, which led to them facing off on the pitch and Gabriel headbutting the Man City striker. Both players received a yellow card after the incident.

The two share a history of aggressive battles during Manchester City vs Arsenal matches, and Haaland was asked about the incident with Gabriel after today's match.

Man City's Erling Haaland on Arsenal's Gabriel

Erling Haaland was asked about his battle with Gabriel today, who has had heated moments with the Norwegian striker in previous matches.

Haaland said, "I think it's always like this, a lot of fighting and things like this. It's up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal so I won the battle in that moment, it was a great goal, it was a decisive moment and we win."

The headbutt incident during today's match caused controversy, as many believed that Gabriel should have been sent off for the headbutt on Haaland.

The Man City striker disagreed as he didn't go down on the floor and said, "I think if I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, it will maybe be a red card. I'm not sure. But it is what it is, I will not fall on the floor as easily like this. Yellow card for me, I'm not sure why, he comes up to my face. But it is what it is."

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 2:16 PM.