Former Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has claimed that Manchester City’s Erling Haaland saved Arsenal’s title aspirations by remaining on his feet after colliding with Gabriel Magalhaes on Sunday.
Haaland scored the winner as City defeated Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday, moving within three points of the league leaders.
Throughout the game, the Norwegian striker wrestled Gabriel, attempting to outmuscle him.
A noteworthy incident occurred in the 84th minute, when Gabriel threw his forehead into Haaland’s face following a duel.
However, referee Anthony Taylor merely issued yellow cards to both players.
A red card would have resulted in a three-match ban for Gabriel, making him unavailable to play against Newcastle, Fulham, and West Ham.
“I think Erling Haaland has kept Arsenal in the title race by not going down,” Sherwood stated.
“If he goes down, he is definitely sent off.
“Gabriel has been so good this season, him and Declan Rice have been the outstanding players for Arsenal, and to miss him for three games in the run-in, that would have been the end of their title race.”