Erling Haaland responded in a priceless manner when he was met with boos from Arsenal fans following his substitution during the Community Shield match.
Taking the lead up front at Wembley Stadium, Haaland failed to find the net and was substituted shortly after the one-hour mark.
His departure from the field was accompanied by a chorus of boos from the Arsenal supporters, making their sentiments towards the renowned forward evident.
In a spirited display of his own, Haaland didn’t let the reception go unnoticed.
As he exited the pitch, he held up three fingers toward the Arsenal fans, cleverly referencing Manchester City’s triumphant treble-winning campaign from the previous season.
Haaland reminding Arsenal fans that he has a treble😂😂#CommunityShield #ARSMCIpic.twitter.com/TRyR5n1pb3
— Kay | Snapchat & IG Ads (@Emini_Sir_Kay) August 6, 2023
The Blues achieved a historic treble during the 2022/23 season, clinching victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Substituted for by Cole Palmer, Haaland’s absence was quickly compensated when Palmer skillfully netted a remarkable goal in the 77th minute, curving the ball past Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners managed to level the score with Leandro Trossard’s shot, which took a deflection and found the net deep into injury time.
The penalty shootout that ensued concluded with the Gunners prevailing 4-1.
On the other hand, Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker, has experienced a six-game goal drought for Man City, a contrast to his remarkable tally of 52 goals across all competitions during the previous season.
This included securing the Premier League Golden Boot with a record-breaking 36 goals and adding another 12 goals to his name in his team’s triumphant European campaign.
Both Pep Guardiola and fervent Man City supporters are undoubtedly optimistic that the 23-year-old Haaland will replicate his prolific performance in the upcoming 2023/24 season, which kicks off next Friday with a match against Burnley, led by Vincent Kompany.