This week's Radar column explores the upcoming match between Manchester City and Arsenal, with a focus on the highly anticipated clash between young stars Erling Haaland and Gabriel. While Haaland made headlines with his fiery exchange with Mikel Arteta, his battle with Gabriel on the field is what sparked the feud. The column also delves into other intriguing storylines such as Archie Gray's versatility for Tottenham and Andoni Iraola's innovative approach to defense for Bournemouth. Don't miss the action, watch Arsenal vs Man City live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm on Sunday.
Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Haaland and Gabriel Rivalry Takes Center Stage
This weekend's highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Arsenal promises an intriguing battle between two of the Premier League's brightest young stars: Erling Haaland and Gabriel. The feud between these two players has been simmering since a heated exchange during last season's match.
Background of the Rivalry
In last season's FA Cup semi-final, Haaland made a reckless challenge on Gabriel, who responded by pushing and shoving the Norwegian striker. Haaland then made a series of inflammatory comments directed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, fueling the animosity between the two sides.
This Week's Matchup
This weekend's match will provide a platform for Haaland and Gabriel to renew their rivalry. Haaland, known for his prolific goalscoring, will be looking to extend his impressive tally of 26 goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season. Gabriel, on the other hand, has emerged as one of Arsenal's most reliable defenders, earning praise for his composure and physicality.
Other Intriguing Storylines
Beyond the Haaland-Gabriel clash, this match offers several other compelling storylines:
Top 5 FAQs About the Rivalry
Ruben Amorim, newly appointed Manchester United boss, has made his first major signing for the club with the acquisition of 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu for a staggering £29 million. Dorgu, who has signed a five-year-deal, has attracted interest from top Italian clubs but it was United who secured his signature. The versatile defender will provide much-needed stability to the team's left flank, which has been hampered by injuries. His arrival has been hailed by Manchester United's technical director as a valuable addition to Amorim's squad.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta couldn't hide his satisfaction after his team's dominant performance against Manchester City, earning a 5-1 victory. He praised his team's aggression, energy, and courage throughout the game and emphasized the importance of having a positive mindset when facing tough opponents. This win marks a significant step in the team's evolution, with the players displaying confidence, trust, and tenacity to face any team on their day.
In a dramatic final day at the Tata Steel chess tournament, young Indian chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa emerged as the champion after defeating world champion Gukesh in a tense tiebreak that went into sudden death. Pragg admitted it was the most intense and stressful day of his career, comparing it to a previous sudden death battle with close friend Arjun Erigaisi. This victory marks a milestone for Pragg and solidifies his place in the world of chess.
Arsenal made a strong statement in the Premier League title race with a dominant 5-1 victory over reigning champions Manchester City. Despite City equalizing early in the second half, Arsenal responded with three quick goals to seal the win and extend their unbeaten league streak to 14 matches. This defeat adds to Manchester United's poor home form this season as they suffered a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, who climbed above them in the standings.
In a thrilling rematch, Arsenal exacted revenge against Manchester City and Erling Haaland by thrashing the Norwegian and his team with a 3-1 scoreline. Fans and players alike took great joy in reminding Haaland of his "stay humble" comments from their previous encounter, with young Myles Lewis-Skelly even imitating Haaland's signature celebration. This result could mark a turning point for Arsenal's season and a lesson for Haaland in staying humble.
India's Abhishek Sharma put on a thrilling display of hitting as he scored a 17-ball half-century against England in the fifth and final T20I in Mumbai. He fell just short of equalling Rohit Sharma's record of being the fastest Indian to score a T20I ton by two balls. Rohit had hit a 35-ball century in 2017. Abhishek also shared a 115-run partnership with Tilak Varma and ultimately finished with a breathtaking 135 off 54 balls, helping India reach their highest-ever score in the powerplay in this format with 95 runs.
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly came out on top in a heated match against Manchester City, who had previously mocked him in September. The young left-back not only scored a goal but also imitated Haaland's infamous celebration during the game. This win for Arsenal not only proved their dominance on the pitch, but also showed that even the biggest names in football can be humbled.
In a thrilling showdown between two of India's top chess prodigies, R. Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious over D. Gukesh in the tiebreaks to claim the Tata Steel Masters 2025 title. The 14-year-old only needed a draw in the final round to secure the win, as another co-leader, Gukesh, suffered a loss to Arjun Erigaisi. With this win, Praggnanandhaa continues to make waves in the world of chess and solidifies his position as one of the country's top chess players.
Arsenal dealt a huge blow to struggling champions Manchester City with a sensational 5-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were in top form, with goals from Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri securing a dominant win. This impressive performance by Mikel Arteta's side brings them within six points of league leaders Liverpool. Declan Rice was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional performance in midfield.
In a shocking turn of events, Arsenal defeated Manchester City for the first time ever at the Emirates Stadium. It took over 30 seasons, 12,000 games, and countless players for this historic moment to happen. Despite an early lead from City's star striker Erling Haaland, Arsenal dominated the second half, with a stunning goal from Kai Havertz sealing the victory. This unexpected result has left fans questioning the ongoing struggles of Manchester City and whether Arsenal can continue their impressive form.