Before the second round of their heated match, Arsenal and Man City should “remain modest.”

Before the second round of their heated match, Arsenal and Man City should “remain modest.”

One of the season’s games was that one.

September matchup between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium.

After leading, Arsenal was reduced to ten men.

Before the second round John Stones scampered home an equalizer seconds from time to secure a 2-2 draw, they put on a fantastic rearguard display and repelled wave after wave of City’s onslaught.

Then everything began.

In the middle of the goal celebrations, Erling Haaland flung a ball at a despondent Gabriel’s head.

Haaland advised Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, to “be modest” when the final whistle blew.

Stones and Kyle Walker accused the Gunners of using the “dark arts” in their post-match comments, and the incident quickly went viral.

Additionally, Rodri, City’s key midfielder, suffered an injury in this game that would keep him out for the season.

Pep Guardiola’s club, the winners of the last four seasons, had a perfect record going into the match. Arsenal was just behind and also undefeated.

After finishing two points apart at the top of the standings the previous season, it seemed inevitable that the two would compete for the crown again.

133 days later, on Sunday, they face at Emirates Stadium. Despite the fact that things have changed significantly, the rematch is nonetheless eagerly anticipated in the tense atmosphere.

Both sides have been complimenting one another and, well, remaining modest throughout the build-up.

“A human being must ultimately respond.”

Haaland’s “remain modest” remark was backed by Guardiola during his pregame press conference.

In the months after, opposition supporters have used the remarks against the Norwegian as they gloat in City’s difficult season and shift the attention back to him.

Guardiola is shocked that Haaland, 24, does not lose his temper more frequently after witnessing the weekly ordeal he endures in the Premier League.

Guardiola remarked, “It is not easy for Erling.” In many ways, Arsenal is a physically strong side.

“The center defender, Gabriel, pushed, hacked, hugged, and kissed him for ninety minutes. That is how the Premier League is.

“You must take a stand and defend your stance. And I am now being expected to judge Erling’s actions? I do not believe it.

“The game’s conclusion was really touching. Ultimately, a person must respond.

Haaland has an impressive disciplinary record.

In his last 54 Premier League games, the Norwegian has only received three bookings and has never been sent – while playing for City.

Guardiola remarked, “I am astonished how he controls his emotions.” “The referee continues to play while he is pulled in each action.

“How frequently does it occur? He also never grumbles. He is quite well-behaved.

I do not mean dark arts, but Guardiola’s run of just one victory in 13 games across all competitions at the close of last year has already destroyed City’s hopes of winning a fifth straight championship.

Even though his team has returned to the top four with 13 points from their last five games, they are still 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal is nine points behind Arne Slot’s team, but they are aware that a loss to City would severely harm their chances of winning the championship.

There will probably be tension at the Emirates as a result.

Guardiola clarified, “I am not saying dark arts,” “In the media, I never use that word. When anything is unfair, a referee must step in.

“I am aware of my players’ actions. Naturally, I voice my displeasure and opinions, but I believe that we are an exceptionally fair play team—sometimes too much. However, we were successful in doing so, and we will keep going.”