Pep's praise for Haaland's on-field emotions ahead of Arsenal trip | OneFootball

Ahead of Sunday’s eagerly awaited Premier League trip to Arsenal, City boss Pep Guardiola says he is proud of the way Erling Haaland has dealt with the constant physical pressure and attention he receives from opposition defenders.

Ever since arriving at the Etihad in the summer of 2022, the striker has come under the closest possible scrutiny from central defenders as they have sought to try and nullify his potent threat.

Given Haaland’s incredible record in the ensuing two and a half years since joining City, it’s a battle that has largely been a losing one for defenders.

Sunday’s trip to the Emirates will, of course, see Haaland come face to face with Gabriel whom he famously locked horns with both during and after September’s eventful 2-2 draw at the Etihad with the Gunners.

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But addressing the media at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola made a point of highlighting just how well Haaland had done to stay cool, calm and collected on the field across his City career to date.

“I’m surprised. I’m surprised how he can control his emotions,” Pep admitted.

“Every action is pushing and pulling, and the referee plays on, how many times it happens, and he never complains.

“But when he pushes it’s his fault 100%.

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“He controls himself, and you tell me the emotion one day he reacts to Gabriel?

“I’m not asking to say sorry to Gabriel or Erling, I’m not asking just what Erling has done for one day, that means what he is or how he behaves? No.

“He behaves incredibly well and stands up, never no complaints.

“We talk, you know it’s going to happen, the Premier League is where you have to stand up and continue, continue and continue to defend your position.

“Always he has, and now for one day we judge what Erling has done? No, I don’t buy it.”

Last September’s clash was a feisty, full-blooded affair that ended with Arsenal reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Leandro Trossard and City securing a dramatic last-minute equaliser through John Stones and the tension spilling over after the final whistle.

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Given the two sides’ rivalry and battle for honours over the past few seasons, it has meant there is even more anticipation and interest ahead of Sunday’s game.

However, ahead of the trip to the capital, the boss made a point of highlighting how proud he was of his City side’s behaviour and approach to matches - not just this season but throughout his eight and half year Etihad reign.

“Of course, I do what I want with my team and others do whatever they want but I think we’re an incredibly fair team,” Pep pointed out.

“Sometimes too much but it is what it is, we’ve had success in that way and will continue.

“As much as they are my team and I will defend our position, I want to defend my players because I know my players and know how they behave and if they behave properly, I’m going to defend them.

“In another situation it’s with the referee to decide what they have to do.

“When it’s unfair of course I complain, and I can give my opinion, but I think we’ve been so incredibly well behaved.

“Here in the media, before and after the game with opponents, referees, statements, the Premier League and so on, there are no doubts about that.”