Following Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Erling Haaland delivered a simple but stinging’stay humble’ statement to Mikel Arteta.

Following John Stones’ late equaliser, the Manchester City striker threw the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes’ head, escalating tensions at full time.

In a heated exchange, Haaland told Gabriel Jesus, ‘I wasn’t talking s—, clown,’ as the confrontation intensified before Jack Grealish stepped in.

Haaland’s actions, including a heated exchange with 17-year-old substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly, reflect the growing intensity of the Manchester City-Arsenal rivalry, fuelled by their previous Premier League title fights.

He will not face any retroactive punishment for throwing the ball at Gabriel’s back, as VAR evaluated the event at the time and determined that no action was required.

Despite his antics, Haaland scored his 10th league goal of the season, prompting Gary Neville to praise the superstar forward for his ‘total devastation’.

On commentary duty for Sky Sports, he said: “That is complete and utter devastation in footballing terms.

“Brilliant from Savinho but as soon as you see Haaland point to that space, the acceleration from the two best centre backs in the country is unbelievable. The poke past Raya is dismissive.”

Haaland has helped the Blues record 13 points from their first five league games as they sit at the top of the table at this early stage.