Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta sends strong message to his Pep after Arsenal players brutally mock Man City and Erling Haaland

Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal squad to remain focused on their own performances after a dominant 5-1 victory over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City significantly bolstered their title aspirations.
The emphatic win at the Emirates Stadium showcased Arsenal’s growing confidence, as they dismantled Pep Guardiola’s side with a ruthless second-half display. The fixture, which has evolved into one of the league’s most intense rivalries in recent seasons, saw the Gunners exact revenge for past encounters with a statement victory that sends a message to their title rivals.
One of the standout moments of the match came from academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly, who netted his first senior goal in dramatic fashion. The 18-year-old midfielder made headlines not just for his performance but for his celebration—imitating Erling Haaland’s iconic pose—adding further fuel to an already heated rivalry. Gabriel also appeared to taunt the Norwegian striker after Martin Ødegaard’s opening goal, gestures that seemed to be direct responses to Haaland’s antics during the sides’ previous meeting at the Etihad Stadium.
During that fiery 2-2 draw earlier in the season, Haaland had celebrated John Stones’ late equalizer by bouncing the ball off Arsenal defender Gabriel’s head. He was also involved in post-match altercations with both Lewis-Skelly and Arteta, leading to heightened tensions between the teams.
Following Arsenal’s thumping victory, Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, took to social media to express his frustration. Reacting to an image of Lewis-Skelly’s celebration, he mocked Arsenal’s lack of silverware in recent years compared to City’s dominance. “This team that wins everything. Ehhhhh, not,” he wrote, stirring the pot even further.
When asked about the heated incidents after the match, Arteta played down any controversy. “I haven’t seen them, and there’s nothing I want to discuss about that,” he stated. “That’s down to the players, but they know my view on it—we have to focus on us.”
Pressed further on his stance, the Arsenal boss reiterated the importance of discipline and composure. “We have to focus on ourselves and leave everything that happens on the pitch. I’ve been in football a long time. Whatever happens, just leave it there. There’s nothing more to say.”
The win was crucial for Arsenal’s title push, cutting Liverpool’s lead at the top to just six points while simultaneously opening up a comfortable nine-point gap over City, who now sit fourth in the table.
For Lewis-Skelly, it was a defining moment in what has been a remarkable breakthrough season. His goal, coming just minutes after Haaland had briefly equalized with a header, effectively sealed the contest and showcased his composure on the big stage. The teenager, who only made his senior debut five months ago in the reverse fixture, continues to impress with his fearless approach and natural ability.
Arteta was full of praise for the youngster, admitting he hadn’t anticipated such a crucial contribution. “I wasn’t expecting it!” he admitted. “I was actually talking today with one of our staff members about how he needs to threaten more in the final third in this position.”
The Arsenal manager highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s innate passion and confidence, traits that have been nurtured within the club’s academy. “He has it inside him. He feels it, and he expresses it really well,” Arteta continued. “Some players struggle with that, but he does it in every action—with his body language, his facial expressions, the way he lives the game.
“With the ball, he takes it, wants to make things happen, takes risks, and shows initiative. At his age, that’s not easy to see, and it’s a joy to coach a player like that.”
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, performances like this—marked by a blend of youth, resilience, and attacking brilliance—demonstrate why they remain firmly in the hunt for silverware.