Erling Haaland couldn’t resist stirring the pot after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s damaging 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
Lewis-Skelly saw his initial yellow upgraded to a red following a reckless challenge on Mohammed Kudus, adding another layer to his ongoing spat with Haaland.
GettyLewis-Skelly and Haaland have clashed on a number of occasions[/caption]
The pair’s rivalry dates back to Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal debut in September when Haaland famously taunted him by asking ‘who the f*** are you?’.
The young Gunner fired back earlier this month, mimicking Haaland’s iconic meditation celebration when Arsenal humiliated Manchester City 5-1.
However, just as quickly as the momentum swung his way, Haaland has found himself jibing at the youngster once again.
After Arsenal’s loss to West Ham — a major blow to their title ambitions — some Hammers fans took to the streets outside the Emirates, replicating Haaland’s signature celebration.
The City striker has since liked a post featuring the imitation, and given Lewis-Skelly’s sending-off and Arsenal’s title hopes taking a hit, the timing certainly suggests a dig from Haaland.
The 18-year-old’s dismissal came after Kudus dispossessed him near the halfway line and appeared to have a clear route to goal with Arsenal keeper David Raya out of position.
Lewis-Skelly lunged in desperately, earning an initial yellow that was upgraded to a red following a VAR check.
This was his second sending-off in just four Premier League games, having previously received a straight red against Wolves in January —though it was later rescinded.
Haaland’s friction with Arsenal isn’t just limited to Lewis-Skelly, either.
The Norwegian has frequently clashed with the club, particularly as the Gunners have emerged as City’s closest challengers for the title in recent seasons.
X @SkySportsPLMikel Arteta and Erling Haaland created a viral moment earlier in the season[/caption]
Back in September, following a heated 2-2 draw, Haaland told Mikel Arteta to ‘stay humble’, igniting tensions that carried over into their rematch at the Emirates in February.
Arsenal fans didn’t hold back, jeering Haaland throughout the game with many holding signs with his signature phrase on.
Defender Gabriel even laughed in his face after Martin Odegaard’s early goal, perhaps in retaliation for Haaland launching a ball at him after John Stones’ late equaliser earlier in the season.
The trolling didn’t stop there. At full-time, Arsenal blasted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ over the stadium speakers, seemingly directed at Haaland.
But the City forward had the last laugh, smiling at the crowd and pointing to the golden Premier League and Club World Cup badges on his shirt.