‘The referee has to intervene’ - Guardiola calls for protection for Haaland ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester City are set to face a fierce test in the Premier League as they travel to the Emirate Stadium to face Arsenal.

For the first time since the Norwegian flung a ball at his Gabriel Magalhães’ head during a furious 2-2 draw between the two sides in September, the Manchester City striker and Arsenal centre-back will rekindle their rivalry on Sunday.

The Gunners, who are chasing league leaders Liverpool, will be looking to get a win and put pressure on the Reds on the table.

Guardiola acknowledged that he is pleased by Haaland's ability to remain composed in the face of significant provocation and has asked for the striker to be protected.

According to Daily mail, he said, “It's the defenders who create the problems with Erling. They push him, he doesn't push them. It's not easy when you have 90 minutes and Gabriel and the defenders push and hug and kiss him.

“At the end, he had to react. Arsenal is a physical team, in a good way in many aspects, and at the end emotions happened.

“We cannot worry about Erling's discipline. I'm surprised how he can control his emotions because every action he's pulled and the referee is always "play on". He never complains.

“I know my players and how they behave properly. The referee has to intervene when it's not fair. That's why he's the referee.”

After a terrible fall, City's top goal is now to qualify for the Champions League, albeit Arsenal is still in the running for the championship this year.