The champions of Europe have spoken and their words carry the weight of a man who has grown tired of watching others park the bus. Erling Haaland, the...
The champions of Europe have spoken and their words carry the weight of a man who has grown tired of watching others park the bus. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal machine who has terrorised defences across the continent, has stirred the pot with a cryptic three word message on his Snapchat account following the pulsating Champions League semi final between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich. The post, which was published shortly after the final whistle at the Parc des Princes, has been interpreted by the watching football public as a subtle but unmistakable dig at Premier League title rivals Arsenal and their stubbornly defensive approach to big matches. According to exclusive information gathered by GoalZaza, the Manchester City striker. �s message read simply:. �Different class, different level.. � While the words can be read as a compliment to the two European giants who served up a thriller in the French capital, many believe Haaland was aiming his fire at Mikel Arteta. �s side, who have built their recent success on a bedrock of defensive solidity rather than the free flowing attacking football that City and the European elite are known for. In the scheme of things, this is not the first time the former Borussia Dortmund man has used social media to send a message to his rivals, but it is certainly the most pointed this season. The young Norwegian has scored goals for fun in the English top flight and his frustration with Arsenal. �s tactics is no secret among the corridors of power at the Etihad. At the end of the day, when you have watched your team carve open defences with the precision of a surgeon. �s scalpel, it is easy to see why a player of Haaland. �s calibre would feel that the Gunners lack the attacking ambition to truly challenge for the biggest honours. The powers that be at the Emirates will no doubt be furious at the insinuation, but the numbers do not lie. Arsenal have kept more clean sheets than any other side in the league this term, but their goals for column tells a story of a team that is happy to win by the narrowest of margins. For the Super Eagles faithful who flock to viewing centres in Surulere and Ikeja every weekend, this is the kind of mind game that makes the Premier League the most exciting spectacle in world football. Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian international who is tearing up Serie A with Napoli, would surely nod in appreciation at Haaland. �s audacity. It takes a certain kind of confidence to take a swipe at a team that is breathing down your neck in the title race, and Haaland has never lacked for self belief. The reaction from local fans has been electric. In a packed hall in Ikeja, one gentleman wearing a Manchester City jersey stood up and shouted. �Na him we know o! That Haaland boy no dey waste time!. � while his Arsenal supporting neighbour simply shook his head and muttered about trophies won in May, not March. As the debate raged on into the night, with arguments about Osimhen. �s finishing versus Haaland. �s power echoing through the streets, one thing became clear. In Nigerian football viewing centres, this war of words is just the beginning of a drama that will run until the final day of the season.
