Pep Guardiola’s day at the office plunged deeper into frustration as a press conference question left him speechless.
Manchester City’s struggles continued, with their journey to London ending in disappointment as Arsenal soundly defeated them 5-1.
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Amidst the backdrop of their previous clash in September last year, Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly played a pivotal role.
A mix-up in the City defence allowed Martin Odegaard to propel the Gunners ahead just two minutes into the match.
In stark contrast to their encounter at the Etihad Stadium, it was Gabriel who got under the skin of his opponent, Erling Haaland, this time.
Replays later revealed Gabriel passionately celebrating, his face inches from Haaland in a tense moment.
This was a reference to Haaland’s actions following City’s late equaliser in the 2-2 draw five months ago.
John Stones saved City’s blushes then, but Haaland, in a burst of exuberance, threw the ball at Gunners defender Gabriel.
The tensions boiled over when he was seen telling Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to ‘stay humble’ at full-time.
This time, Haaland equalised for City in the 55th minute with a stunning header, but Thomas Partey‘s deflected strike quickly restored Arsenal’s lead.
Then Lewis-Skelly scored their third of the match and couldn’t resist the moment to mock the City striker.
In a bold display, he mimicked Haaland’s celebration by sitting on the pitch, eyes closed in what resembled a meditation pose.
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Lewis-Skelly seemed to be referencing the post-match drama from last year when Haaland confronted him with the pointed remark: “Who the f**k are you?”
After the match, Guardiola faced questions about the young player’s antics.
Initially, Guardiola was left bewildered by the question, before responding: “I didn’t see, they didn’t do that, that’s good.”
“They did Haaland’s celebration? They have done it? Oh yeah,” Pep remarked, with a mix of surprise and resignation.
The 18-year-old’s celebration garnered praise from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
Carragher likened the young star to Jude Bellingham and Wayne Rooney, emphasising his bold attitude on the pitch.
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He said on Sky Sports post-match: “You talk about football arrogance. I always regard that as a positive trait.
“Someone who carries that confidence on the field. Wayne Rooney comes to mind, and Jude Bellingham embodies it too.
“You’re saying, ‘I’ve just arrived, but this is my stage to own’.”
Man City endured a tough run in December last year, suffering five consecutive losses, leaving Guardiola at his wits’ end.
While they had recently sparked some hope with improved form, this defeat to the Gunners is a huge blow just before their Champions League play-off tie against Real Madrid.
With this victory, the Gunners maintain their title challenge, staying in the hunt against leaders Liverpool, though they remain six points adrift with Liverpool holding a game in hand against Everton on February 12.
For City, a loss to West Ham on Monday night could see them tumble out of the top four, with tensions running high as they face an uncertain future after ending a seven-match unbeaten run in the league.
