Manchester City defender Kyle Walker was involved in a heated confrontation with an Arsenal coach following his team’s 1-0 loss to the Gunners, and Erling Haaland became involved as well.
The incident occurred shortly after the final whistle of a tense game, which Arsenal won 1-0. It wasn’t until the 85th minute that the deadlock was broken, with Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected strike beating City goalkeeper Ederson.
The Emirates Stadium was filled with celebration, and the atmosphere remained charged both on and off the pitch after the match ended.
Sky Sports cameras captured Walker and Haaland, along with officials and a member of the Arsenal coaching staff, in a heated exchange as both teams headed back to the tunnel.
And further footage later showed how the England international had squared up to Gunners set piece coach Nicolas Jover – who used to be at City.
Haaland then walked over to the pair and defended his team-mate, before the incident was broken up and both players were ushered away.
Zoomed in footage showed Jover waving his finger towards Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, who missed the game through injury.
It is unclear as to what caused the initial altercation between Walker and the set piece coach.
“A nerve has been hit here”
Kyle Walker reacts to the Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover 😬 pic.twitter.com/xdZpRkWeUa
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 8, 2023
The scuffle between Kyle Walker, Haaland & Arsenals’ set piece coach after the final whistle. pic.twitter.com/XmQuIxyQ2F
— EmanDaGoon™ (@EmanDaGoon) October 8, 2023
City boss Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped on the situation in his post-match press conference.
He said: “I know what happened, but I don’t want to say. They know it.”
The Spaniard didn’t appear particularly tense about the incident, however, as he laughed after delivering his answer.
On the match in general, Guardiola said: “We had our moments, they had their moments. The rest was equal, and in one action they won.
“Arsenal made it difficult. Congratulations to Arsenal – that’s all I can do. We know exactly what we have to do, and we’ll do it.”
The 1-0 win moves Arsenal up to second, with Mikel Arteta’s side level on 20 points with leaders Tottenham but behind them on goal difference leading into the upcoming international break.
City, meanwhile, drop to third after two successive Premier League defeats, with Guardiola’s side being beaten 2-1 by Wolves at Molineux last Saturday.