Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Erling Haaland slipped up and swore in his post-match interview following Manchester City‘s 2-1 defeat of Arsenal. The Gunners went to the Etihad knowing they needed to avoid defeat to keep control of the Premier League title race. But Haaland’s second-half finish was the decisive moment and gave City a huge three points as they seek a sixth title in the last seven seasons. Pep Guardiola’s team can move top of the table for the first time since August in midweek when they face Burnley away from home.
And Haaland was particularly excited about the performance, and the result, as he compared his team-mate Bernardo Silva to Ballon d’Or-winning centre-back Fabio Cannavaro for his defensive efforts against Arsenal. After Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison completed his interview with Haaland and Bernardo, Super Sunday host Dave Jones said in the studio: “Apologies for the language. I get the feeling they were trying to hold back a lot in that interview there, a lot of emotion!”
Haaland had been praising Bernardo, who will leave City at the end of the season, when he said: “I remember that cross. I told him after, when he headed it out: ‘you were like f****** Cannavaro today.'”
Davidson then said: “Erling, language please!” To which Haaland replied: “It’s alright. We’ve all been swearing in our lives! I just told him he was like Cannavaro. Today, Bernie, I’m not going to make it emotional here but you were really good as usual today as well.
“I was quite happy [at full-time], I have to be honest. It was a great moment for me and a great win. Every game is a final. On Wednesday we have a new final. When we have stopped speaking here, it’s about recovering for the Burnley game. Because the Burnley game just as important as this game. We need to stay focus, stay humble.”
Bernardo had interrupted Haaland to praise the striker’s own work ethic against the league leaders. The Portuguese captain hailed: “Can I say something? Erling was fantastic today, fighting for every ball. It’s not easy with two centre-backs that strong. He was unbelievable. Thank you so much. Apart from the goal that he always scores, today he fought like an animal.”
Haaland had a fierce battle with Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes all game. And the Norwegian reflected: “I think it’s always like this. A lot of fighting and these kind of things. That’s others to decide if I won that battle. Of course, I scored the goal. I won that battle in the decisive moment, the cross was perfect. It was a great goal. In the end, we win.”
Gabriel was fortunate only to receive a yellow card after a ‘headbutt’ incident with the City centre-forward who is now up to 23 Premier League goals this season and 34 across all competitions. The agitated Brazilian defender moved aggressively towards Haaland while the two were head-to-head but both were cautioned.
Haaland explained: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, I think maybe it would be a red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation to be honest. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor as easy like this. It’s a yellow card for me but I don’t know why he comes up to my face. It is what it is.”
City now have the momentum in the title race and have six games left to play, with their title rivals having only five. Guardiola’s charges can leapfrog Arsenal on goal difference with a win at Turf Moor on Wednesday night against Burnley.