Erling Haaland's full time gesture issues brutal reminder to Arsenal as Man City star sends message

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland pointed to the gold Premier League badge on his shirt sleeve as he walked off the pitch on Sunday evening - serving a reminder to the gloating Arsenal fans that while they claimed the honours over the 90 minutes, they remain short of trophies.

City were thumped 5-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates, collapsing after Haaland hauled the visitors level early in the second half. The manner of the defeat left Pep Guardiola furious at full time and the Blues are now nine points behind the Gunners in the Premier League table.

City's title charge has long since faded and while Arsenal still harbour hopes of ending their near 21-year drought for the Premier League trophy, they remain six points behind Liverpool having played a game more.

And Haaland, who had been mocked by Arsenal fans and players alike during the game, reminded the Gunners of their absence of silverware as he left the field of play. He first went over to the travelling City fans to applaud them for their support before making the gesture and heading down the tunnel.

City have won four straight top flight titles and eight since the Gunners last lifted the trophy in 2004. Under Arteta, Arsenal have won one FA Cup and fallen short to the Blues in the past two seasons. The Gunners hope to go one better this time around but remain outsiders with Liverpool leading the way.

Haaland was the pantomime villain on Sunday having thrown the ball at Gabriel in the aftermath of John Stones' late leveller in the reverse fixture in September. After the final whistle he then told Arsenal manager Arteta to "stay humble".

On Sunday, Gabriel celebrated Martin Odegaard's early opener by laughing in Haaland's face while Myles Lewis-Skelly copied the Norway striker's 'zen' celebration when scoring the third. And the home fans booed the City frontman, who showed his credentials with a powerful headed equaliser, throughout the contest.