Gabriel Maghalaes has said he is ready to embrace another battle with Erling Haaland in the Carabao Cup final.
Arsenal face Manchester City in the League Cup decider at Wembley this afternoon. One of the pivotal duels in the clash will see Gabriel come up against Haaland, as arguably the Premier League’s top centre-back takes on the league’s leading goalscorer.
There is previous between the pair, with past clashes having seen some needle between them.
Last season, Haaland memorably threw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head when celebrating a goal scored by Manchester City. In the return fixture at Emirates Stadium, Gabriel celebrated in Haaland’s face when the Gunners scored on route to a big 5-1 victory.
Ahead of the latest match-up, Gabriel praised Haaland but insisted he’s ready to battle again.
“I enjoy every game, every striker. It is my job, so I like to battle,” he told The Athletic.
“But he is a top player and, of course, I think he likes to play against me as well. I think it’s fun. We enjoy it.”
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