Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates was marked by a moment of revenge as young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly mocked Erling Haaland’s celebration after scoring – and the Norway international’s father has now hit back.
The Arsenal teenager’s celebration came after putting his side 3-1 up in a dominant display against the champions.
The celebration appeared to be a direct response to previous tension between the two players, with Haaland having taunted the Gunners youngster earlier in the season.
Lewis-Skelly received a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd when he was substituted in the 90th minute, having played a crucial role in Arsenal’s commanding win.
Erling Haaland was mocked by Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s thumping win over Man City on Sunday
PA
Following the match, Arsenal’s official account on X posted an image of Lewis-Skelly’s celebration with a simple caption reading “This Team”.
The post drew a swift response from Erling Haaland’s father, Alfie, a former Manchester City player who made 38 appearances for the club between 2000-03.
“This Team that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not”, replied Haaland Senior, taking aim at Arsenal’s recent trophy drought.
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«This Team» that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not. 🩵 https://t.co/B81Ais3J6a
— Alfie Haaland (@alfiehaaland) February 2, 2025
His comment appeared to reference Arsenal’s unsuccessful title races against Manchester City in recent seasons, where the Gunners have fallen short of securing silverware.
The social media exchange highlighted the growing tension between the two clubs following their latest encounter.
The tension between Lewis-Skelly and Haaland originated during their previous encounter at the Etihad in September, when Arsenal drew 2-2 with Manchester City.
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During that match, a confrontation between Haaland and Gabriel prompted Lewis-Skelly to step in to support his team-mate.
Haaland responded by dismissively gesturing for the Arsenal teenager to go away, setting the stage for Sunday’s celebration revenge.
On a tough day for the City hitman, Gabriel was seen laughing in Haaland’s face after Arsenal took an early lead, pausing during his celebration to mock the Norwegian striker.
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Arsenal’s dominance began early with Martin Odegaard capitalising on Manuel Akanji’s error to put the hosts ahead.
Haaland briefly drew City level in the second half, but Thomas Partey restored Arsenal’s lead just a minute later with a deflected effort.
After Lewis-Skelly’s memorable goal, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri added further strikes to complete the 5-1 rout.
Erling Haaland scored Man City’s only goal in their 5-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday
PA
Despite the defeat, Haaland’s goal took his Premier League tally to 19 for the season.
The Norwegian striker now sits just two goals behind Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.
As for Arsenal, they’re six points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table – though Arne Slot’s side do have a game in hand.