Erling Haaland believes Gabriel should have been sent off for attempted headbutt in Man City's win over Arsenal

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland says Arsenal defender Gabriel should have been sent off for his attempted headbutt in City's 2-1 win over the Gunners.

The pair renewed their rivalry on Sunday with Haaland outmuscling the Brazilian to score the winner, before things reached a boiling point as the two squared up to one another.

Gabriel leant his head into the striker, but escaped a sending off as both players were booked by referee Anthony Taylor.

Former official Mike Dean later suggested that the Arsenal man was fortunate not to have seen red, and Haaland believes his reaction saved his rival.

"I think it's a red card," he said post-match.

"I think most agree with me. If I go down like any other guy, it's a red card. It's not something I would do. My father taught me to stay on your feet.

"That's the reality. Should I have gone down? Maybe. Then it would've been easier. But I didn't and I got a yellow card. I don't know why."