"A real coward's move" – Ian Wright fires shots at Manchester City superstar over bizarre act in Arsenal stalemate
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland after the striker's bizarre act in his team's recent 2-2 Premier League draw against the Gunners.
Earlier on Sunday (September 22), Haaland scored the opener in the ninth minute of his team's recent match. Riccardo Calafiori equalized in the 22nd minute before Gabriel Magalhaes put the visitors ahead in the 45th minute. The hosts won a key point in the dying moments of the game after John Stones levelled things minutes before the end.
After Manchester City's second goal, Haaland decided to pick the ball up from the Gunners' net and threw the ball at the back of Gabriel's head. Now, Wright has hit out at the striker in a rant on social media.
Speaking on his Instagram account this Monday, Wright commented:
"So, I feel like I need to put something out there that's been bothering me. Because obviously the [Leandro] Trossard sending off, in the moment, you're frustrated, it's 2-1. I'm thinking: 'Yes, we've got them' and then he gets sent off for something that. Let's face it, it's f***ing foolishness what they are getting sent off for now. So, in the moment, yeah, but he shouldn't be sent off for that."
Sharing his thoughts on Haaland's antics, the 54-year-old continued:
"But you know what really boiled me up properly was Haaland's coward's move. I saw it this morning properly. Throwing the ball at Gabby's head when he's not looking, when Gabby's back is turned to him. A real coward's move. Gabby would look you in the eye."
Wright, who represented Arsenal 281 times as a player, concluded:
"I'm looking at this like a really good defender versus striker for years to come. I love watching those two. And then you are doing a coward's move like that? No no, that's what bothered me more than anything else. I thought [Haaland] was bigger than that."
How have Arsenal fared this campaign?
After securing a second straight runners-up finish in the Premier League last term, Arsenal have started the ongoing 2024-25 season on a fine note. They have won three and drawn three of six overall outings.
Arsenal, who have netted eight goals so far this season, are currently fourth in the Premier League standings with 11 points from five games.
Mikel Arteta's side will next take on Bolton Wanderers in their EFL Cup third round clash at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday (September 25).