- Erling Haaland was the hero against Arsenal
- Scored the match winner for Man City
- Tim Sherwood believes he made one mistake
Ex-Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood says Erling Haaland not going down after an apparent headbutt from Arsenal’s Gabriel may have kept Manchester City’s rivals in the title race.
The incident occurred late on during Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium between City and Arsenal, the top two sides in the table.
Pep Guardiola’s side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Haaland and Rayan Cherki, but there was a controversial finish thanks to an incident between the Norwegian striker and Arsenal defender Gabriel.
The pair collided during an aerial duel, with Gabriel conceding a foul. The Brazilian then appeared to push his forehead towards Haaland after they came together.
Crucially, though, Haaland stayed on his feet and did not try to get Gabriel sent off – something Sherwood thinks may prove costly.
Tim Sherwood says Haaland has kept Arsenal in the title race
Speaking after the match, Sherwood told Sky Sports that although he admired Haaland for not trying to influence the referee, the striker may have inadvertently handed Arsenal a lifeline.
The former England midfielder explained that in refusing to go down, Haaland prevented Gabriel from being sent off, which would have been a crippling blow to the Gunners’ title ambitions.
Sherwood said: “I think Erling Haaland has kept Arsenal in the title race there by not going down. If he goes down, he gets sent off 100%. I like the fact that he doesn’t go down.
Tim Sherwood believes Erling Haaland has kept Arsenal in the PL title race by not going down following Gabriel's challenge 🗣️🏆 #skysportsfc pic.twitter.com/s3oP71peNg
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) April 20, 2026
“We also have to give credit to Alfie, his dad, he said ‘my father told me never to go down’ and Alfie certainly wouldn’t roll around on the floor. That is old school.”
Haaland’s honesty could cost Manchester City
While Sherwood praised Haaland for not throwing himself to the ground, he questioned whether Gabriel would have been as honest if the roles were reversed.
He added: “If that was the other way around, I’m not 100% sure, but I think Gabriel might have hit the floor and got Erling sent off.
We are City. ✊
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 19, 2026
🩵 2-1 🔴 @okx pic.twitter.com/N7ersCeBS2
“He’s been so good, Gabriel, this season. Him and Declan Rice have been the outstanding players for Arsenal.
“To miss him for three games in the run-in, that would have been the end of their title race. Erling Haaland, by staying on his feet, and credit to him for that, but he’s kept Arsenal in it.”
Has Haaland really kept Arsenal in the title race?
There’s no doubting Gabriel’s importance to Arsenal. The Brazilian has played every minute of his side’s last 14 Premier League games.
A hamstring injury kept him out of action for several weeks in November and December. However, Arsenal lost just once during the nine games he was sidelined for in all competitions.
Given he has started their last two matches, both of which ended in defeat, it’s hard to argue that his involvement alone will decide if Arsenal beat City to the title.
