According to Tim Sherwood, who was the manager of Aston Villa before moving on to Manchester City, Arsenal’s title aspirations were saved by Erling Haaland, who remained composed following his confrontation with Gabriel Magalhaes on Sunday.
City defeated the Gunners 2-1 on Sunday thanks to a goal by Haaland, bringing them within three points of the league leaders.
Gabriel and the Norway striker engaged in a constant back-and-forth as they sought to outwit one another physically.
In the 84th minute, there was a notable incident when Gabriel threw his forehead into Haaland’s face after the two players squared up during a duel.
Nonetheless, both players were only shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor.
Gabriel would have missed matches against Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle had he received a red card.
That Arsenal are still in the title hunt is a testament to Erling Haaland’s performance, according to Sherwood.
Without a doubt, he is sent off if he goes down.
“If Arsenal had lost Gabriel for three games in the final stretch, they would not have been able to finish the season as they were, because he and Declan Rice have been their team’s best players all season.”