PIERS MORGAN rubbed salt into Erling Haaland and Manchester City’s wounds.
SunSport columnist Morgan left Haaland a cheeky voicenote following Arsenal‘s brutal 5-1 drubbing of City at the Emirates on Sunday.
Morgan, like the tens of thousands of Arsenal fans inside the stadium, revelled in Haaland’s misfortunes.
It comes after the Norwegian memorably clashed with the Gunners in a fierce post-match melee in the reverse fixture at the Etihad in September.
Following John Stones‘ dramatic injury time equaliser in the 2-2 draw, Haaland was seen throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ head.
And tempers flared after the full-time whistle, where he asked Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, “Who the f*** are you?'” after the debtuant got in his face.
Haaland then proceeded to tell Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to, “Stay humble”, before labelling ex-Citizens forward Gabriel Jesus as a “f****** clown”.
His words were firmly in the minds of the Arsenal squad and fanbase, including Morgan, who sent a voicenote to talkSPORT.
He said: “This is Piers Morgan for talkSPORT, I’ve just got back from the stadium after watching Arsenal demolish Manchester City 5-1.
“The last time we played City, Erling Haaland had a lot to say for himself at the end of the game.
“Well, there are two things I’d like to say after today’s game Erling.
“One is, I think you know who Mr Lewis-Skelly is now. And secondly, stay humble.
“The way you lot are playing, you’re going to have a lot to be humble about.”
Reacting to Morgan’s message, talkSPORT co-host Jeff Stelling joked: “Ah, the most humble man on the planet, Piers Morgan, having his say.”
Ally McCoist then added: “The man who put the ‘H’ in humble.”
And like Morgan, most of Arsenal‘s starting XI taunted the Norway international all game.
Gabriel screamed in the 24-year-old’s face for their opener before Lewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland’s meditation celebration.
Haaland walked over to the away end at full-time his golden Prem badge on his shirt sleeve that indicates they are reigning champions.
Told of Arsenal’s mocking celebrations, Guardiola smiled and said: “That’s good… that’s good.”
Meanwhile, Arteta’s men are working to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final away at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City
ARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.
It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.
Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…
David Raya – 7/10
Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.
William Saliba – 5
Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.
His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.
Thomas Partey – 7
Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.
Declan Rice – 6
Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.
Kai Havertz – 6
Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.
SUBS
Ethan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7
Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.
Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5
Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/A
Riccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/A
Read more on all the latest Arsenal news.
Read the full article here
