Gabriel escapes red card for Erling Haaland 'headbutt' as verdict given on Man City vs Arsenal clash

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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been told that he was lucky not to be shown a red card for a 'headbutt' on Manchester City 's Erling Haaland . The two clashed in the second half of the game, with City coming out as 2-1 winners .

With City 2-1 up, the two players put their heads together, with Gabriel appearing to move his head towards Haaland's. Both players were shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor.

However, speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Gary Neville showed his disbelief at the decision. “Why did you do that Gabriel?! You can put your heads against each other," he said.

“The minute you rock it back and throw it forward you usually get a red.”

“I can’t believe that’s not a red to be honest with you. I don't think he's differentiated between what Gabriel and Haaland did."

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean added: "I think they have both gone head to head, there's not excessive force by Gabriel but he has just put head his head towards a little bit more.

"I think the way the game has gone with those two, I think a yellow card is probably just about right.

"I wouldn't have been surprised had Gabriel been sent off, there is a movement.

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"Looking at it again, Gabriel is very lucky not to get a red. He’s very lucky.”

The incident was checked by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and it was concluded that a yellow card was the correct decision. The Premier League's Match Centre official account wrote: "The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent."

Manchester City took the lead in the 16th minute of the game through a brilliant Rayan Cherki goal. But it took Arsenal just two minutes to draw level when Kai Havertz closed down a Gianluigi Donnarumma kick to deflect the ball into the net.

Arsenal had chances to win the game at 1-1, with Eberechi Eze hitting the post. But it was Haaland who proved to be the difference, with him scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute.

They were able to see out the win, with the final whistle prompting celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. The three points draws City to just three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

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