‘We are an incredibly fair play team!’ Pep launches strong DEFENCE of Haaland ahead of Arsenal v Man City showdown | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has launched a strong defence of striker Erling Haaland and praised his Manchester City team as “incredibly well behaved”, following their drama-filled first match of the season against Arsenal.

Haaland, who has penned a new ten-year contract with Man City, was seen confronting both Arsenal defender Gabriel and manager Mikel Arteta at full time following the 2-2 draw at the Etihad back in September, telling Arteta specifically to “stay humble”.

The City striker had clearly been riled up by the close attentions of Gabriel and central defensive partner William Saliba and Guardiola has expressed sympathy for Haaland and the treatment he receives every game.

“Listen, we cannot blame our discipline on Erling,” he said ahead of City’s clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

“Come on. It’s the defenders that push Erling. Erling doesn’t push the defenders. It’s the defenders that create problems for Erling. He’s a striker.

“Now he’s going to do one action and we’re going to say that Erling is the guy who makes physical contact with the central defenders?

“All central defenders in the Premier League go against him.”

Haaland’s temperament comes as a huge “surprise” to Guardiola given what he claims the striker has to endure during most matches.

“I’m surprised how he controls his emotions,” he continued.

“In every action he’s being pulled and the referee plays on, how many times has that happened? He never complains.

“But when he pushes? It’s a foul. That’s for sure, 100%.

“I think we are an incredibly fair play team. Sometimes too much. But it is what it is and we’ve had success in that way.

“I think we have been so incredibly well behaved here, in the media, before and after games, with opponents, with referees, with the statements, with the Premier League and so on.

“There’s no doubts about that.”