6 hours Ago By [email protected] (Simon Mullock)
Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland has to look after himself because he gets no protection from Premier League referees. Manchester City ’s Golden Boot winner was warned by Arsenal defender Gabriel that he will be “waiting for him” at the Emirates after the pair waged a running battle in the 2-2 draw last September. Haaland launched the ball at the back of the Brazilian’s head after John Stones ’ late equaliser - and he then told Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” as the teams left the pitch.
But City boss Guardiola is amazed that the ice-cool Norwegian doesn’t retaliate more often after being targeted by defenders. Guardiola said: “I am surprised how Erling can control his emotions because with every action he’s pulled and he’s pulled - and the referee is always ‘play on, play on.’ “How many times does it happen? And he never complains.
He controls himself. So talking of a reaction in one game is not real. He behaves incredibly well.
Erling stands up. He knows it’s going to happen because the Premier League is that way. You have to stand up and continue, continue, continue and defend your position.
“It’s always what he has done. So, for one game, am I going to adjudicate on what he’s done? Come on, I don’t buy it. I’m not saying dark arts.
I never used that word. Everyone can do whatever they want but the referee has to intervene when it’s not fair. That’s why he’s the referee.
“The game (against Arsenal) was emotional for Erling and it’s not easy when you have 90 minutes and Gabriel and the central defenders push him and hug him and hug him and kiss him, and these kinds of things. At the end, he had to react. Arsenal is a physical team - in a good way in many aspects - and at the end what happen, through the emotions, happened.
"But listen, we cannot worry about the discipline of Erling. It’s the defenders that push Erling. He doesn’t push the defenders.
It’s the defenders who create the problems with Erling.” Arsenal were reduced to 10 men at the Etihad when Leandro Trossard was sent off, but were able to frustrate City by employing some dubious methods before Stones levelled at the death. Guardiola refused to criticise Arteta, the man who spent three-and-a-half years as the City manager’s assistant before becoming Gunners’ boss.
But he did suggest that his players deserve credit for playing the game the right way. Guardiola said: “I think we are an incredible, incredible fair play team - sometimes too much. But we have success that way.
I will defend my team and my players but I know my players and how they behave. They behave properly and I will defend that. With the other situation it is up to the referee to decide what to do.
“Of course I will complain and give my opinion on things, but I think we have been so, so incredibly well-behaved - in and after the game, with referees, with statements, with the Premier League. There is no doubt about that.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.
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