Newly surfaced footage reveals the heated moment when tensions flared between Erling Haaland, Kyle Walker, and Arsenal’s set-piece coach following the Gunners’ crucial victory over Manchester City. Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal, deflected off Nathan Ake’s head, secured a significant win for Arsenal and threw the Premier League title race up in the air.
Haaland played a prominent role in the post-match altercation, as players and staff from both teams became embroiled in the confrontation. Subsequently, footage has emerged shedding light on the origins of the incident.
A Sky Sports camera captured the scene as Walker and Haaland departed the pitch, heading toward the tunnel. Nicolas Jover, the Gunners’ set-piece coach who formerly worked at City, stood just beyond the halfway line.
As Walker left the field, Jover turned and approached, extending his hand for a handshake. However, Walker forcefully waved his arm to reject the gesture, prompting Jover to engage in a heated exchange of words as Walker passed by.
This exchange prompted the City right-back to turn around, confront Jover face to face, and adopt an aggressive stance. Haaland also stepped in to confront Jover, while staff members from both teams rushed to intervene and separate the trio.
Even as they were pulled apart, Haaland, Walker, and Jover continued to exchange heated words. The Norwegian international made persistent efforts to reach Jover but was physically restrained and eventually escorted down the tunnel.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka – who was present at the Etihad but not part of the squad due to an injury – attempted to mediate and defuse the situation. Eventually, both teams made their way down the tunnel, while City manager Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped about the incident during his post-match press conference. Guardiola, shaking his head, declined to provide specific details when asked about the altercation.
