Erling Haaland let his hair down – quite literally – as Manchester City thrashed Premier League title rivals Arsenal 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland let his hair down before scoring a fourth goal for Man City vs Arsenal
Erling Haaland donned a new, natural look in the final stages of Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Arsenal and fans are convinced the goalscoring phenomenon was ‘disrespecting’ the Gunners by finding the net almost immediately after removing his hairband. The Norwegian’s long locks were on display in the closing stages of the one-sided Premier League title drubbing and Haaland rubbed salt into Arsenal’s wounds by bagging a late fourth to claim his 49th goal of an incredible season.
Haaland usually ties his hair up into a bun but he opted to remove his hairband for the final minutes of the game – something the cameras and BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher were keen to point out.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker’s determination and hunger for goals eventually paid dividends at the death when he finally found a way past Aaron Ramsdale, who had kept him at bay on a number of occasions throughout the night.
And as Haaland celebrated with his team-mates – including Phil Foden, who couldn’t help but run his hand through his colleague’s hair – football fans on Twitter were adamant the centre-forward was out to taunt his rivals by scoring with his new look.
Twitter user @maxsho_ wrote: “The disrespect from Haaland to take his hairband out after scoring, this guy’s a troll.”
Erling Haaland donned a new look as he scored Man City’s fourth goal vs Arsenal
@NkomoNhlonipho said the same: “Haaland literally letting his hair down and still scoring was the height of disrespect.”
“This brother Haaland really let his hair down like prime Ozzy Osborne in the 92nd minute then cracked one in the net,” added @theboylexx.
@JelaniDavidson also posted: “Haaland let down the hair for the extra powers to get that goal today. If he was his usual self city put bout 8 past Arsenal today tbf, no disrespect to Ramsdale.”
BT Sport pundit Martin Known couldn’t resist a cheesy joke after the match, labelled Haaland “Tarzan” before adding: “He was a better player with his hair down, now that he’s settled in and let his hair down he looks even better.”
Haaland was at the centre of attention in the closing stages of the game and he was involved in a heated altercation at full-time with Arsenal defender Ben White.
Something seemed to rile the big Norwegian as he charged over towards White while wagging his finger.
He continued to shout at the England international before attempting to get to White, who was ushered away by his team-mates on another frustrating night for the Gunners.
Man City are now just two points behind Arsenal at the top and they also boast two games in hand over their title rivals.
Erling Haaland clashed with Arsenal defender Ben White at full-time
Haaland has also broken Mohamed Salah’s Premier League record of most goals in a 38-game season after notching his 33rd top-flight goal of the campaign.
He has achieved the remarkable feat in just 29 matches and could still add more to his tally in City’s final seven Premier League matches of the season.
The £64million sensational will also be targeting more goals in the Champions League and FA Cup final as City look to win a historic treble.
Attention now turns to the Premier League trip to Fulham on Sunday while Arsenal dust themselves down and prepare to host Chelsea next Tuesday.