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Pep Guardiola calls for Erling Haaland to receive more protection from referees as Man City striker prepares to renew his rivalry with Gabriel

Related Topics: Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola has called on Erling Haaland to receive more protection from referees.

The Manchester City striker renews his rivalry with Arsenal centre back Gabriel for the first time on Sunday since the Norwegian threw a ball at his opponent's head during a stormy 2-2 draw between the teams in September.

Instead of criticising his man's reaction, Guardiola admitted he is impressed by how Haaland usually keeps his cool amid considerable provocation.

'It's the defenders who create the problems with Erling,' said the City boss. 'They push him, he doesn't push them.