Erling Haaland forces Sky Sports into apology for X-rated outburst after Man City beat Arsenal

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Erling Haaland was interviewed by Sky Sports after Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to close the gap on the Premier League leaders

Sky Sports was compelled to issue an apology for some colourful language from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland during a post-match interview following a pivotal victory over Arsenal. City closed the gap to three points behind the league leaders with a 2-1 triumph at the Etihad.

Haaland netted a potentially title-defining winner on 65 minutes to hand Pep Guardiola's side the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals should they claim victory in their game in hand against Burnley midweek. Rayan Cherki had broken the deadlock before Kai Havertz caught Gianluigi Donnarumma in possession to restore parity in the first half.

There were jubilant scenes amongst City's players at the final whistle as they now find themselves in a position to seize control of the title race. The magnitude of the result was plain to see in their body language as Bernardo Silva joined Haaland for media duties after the match.

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When the Norwegian was quizzed about his team-mate's impressive showing against the Gunners, during which he tracked back to challenge Havertz and won a header against Viktor Gyokeres, Haaland was full of praise. Silva has just three matches remaining at the Etihad Stadium.

"I remember that cross, I told him after when he headed it out, I told him you were like 'f****ng Cannavaro'," Haaland said, before being reprimanded by Sky Sports' Patrick Davison.

"Erling, language please," he said before adding: "It's all right.

"We are all swearing a little bit in our lives," Haaland replied. "I just told him he was like Cannavaro.

"Today, Bernie, I am not going to make you emotional here but you were really good as usual."

Super Sunday presenter Dave Jones issued another apology when coverage returned to the studio. "Apologies for the language," he said. "I get the feeling they were trying to hold quite a lot back in that interview."

Haaland was also questioned about his confrontation with Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian defender seemed to thrust his head towards the striker's but only received a yellow card.

The 25 year old believes the sanction would have been harsher had he reacted more theatrically. "I think if I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, it will maybe be a red card," he said.

"I'm not sure. But it is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. Yellow card for me, I'm not sure why, he comes up to my face. But it is what it is."