Erling Haaland’s low-key gesture to Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres speaks volumes

Erling Haaland showed exactly why he’s one of the best strikers in world football with a clinical goal for Man City against Arsenal in their Premier League showdown on Sunday.

Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland continued his blistering start to the 2025/2026 season on Sunday, netting his 13th goal in just eight games against Arsenal. The Norwegian powerhouse wasted no time at the Emirates Stadium, finding the back of the net just nine minutes into the match, dealing an early blow to Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Gunners.

Arsenal duo Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi both threatened to equalise during the first half, but City’s new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was on top form, pulling off a series of impressive saves. Arteta shook things up at half-time, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.

As the second half loomed, the psychological warfare between the two rivals ramped up. The Gunners emerged from the tunnel before their City counterparts, who then kept the home team waiting for a few minutes.

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Upon re-joining the fray, Haaland appeared to share a brief exchange with Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres. The City striker approached the Gunners’ centre-forward just as the second half was about to kick-off, giving him a friendly pat on the back and sharing a few words.

Given his scintillating form at the start of the season, Haaland is set to play a pivotal role in City’s Premier League title campaign this season. Meanwhile, Gyokeres – following a high-profile move from Sporting CP – will be crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions.

Since joining the club, the Sweden international has netted three times in the Premier League. He’ll be aiming to match the kind of figures Haaland has been posting at City.

Fortunately, for the thousands of home fans packed inside the Emirates Stadium, Gabriel Martinelli came off the subs bench to rescue a point and avoid another costly defeat for Arsenal. It means they sit just five points below league leaders and champions Liverpool.

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