‘I understand it’ - Guardiola makes a case for Haaland following his challenge on Gabriel

Arsenal held Man City to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last weekend in a fierce encounter that saw Leandro Trossard sent off.

The midfielder was issued a second yellow card for delaying the restart, leading to Arsenal playing with 10 men and defending all through the second half.

The Citizens were able to salvage a draw at the last minute of the game, thanks to John Stone's goal.

Guardiola has responded to a journalist who asked him what he felt about Haaland’s final-minute incident.

Regarding Haaland’s challenge of Gabriel in the final minutes of City vs Arsenal, Guardiola said, as reported by Fabrizio on X, "The emotions are the emotions".

"So I’m sure he’s not proud of what he did, but listen, in the type of challenge that Arsenal challenged us, I understand it.”

The Man City manager revealed that the action had to do with emotions and believes Haaland won't be proud of what he did but also claimed he understood why it happened.

Fans and pundits have criticised Haaland for his behaviour towards Gabriel after City equalised in the dying minute of the game.

The Norwegian threw a ball behind the head of the unlooking Gabriel as he ran to celebrate Stone's equaliser.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s team will travel to St James Park to face Newcastle as they look to bounce back from the draw against Arsenal.