Manchester City star Erling Haaland is reportedly not expected to face any punishment after throwing a ball at the back of Gabriel's head.

The incident occurred in the first Premier League meeting of the season between the current English champions and their closest rivals in recent campaigns.

Notching up his 10th goal of the top-flight term already, Haaland opened the scoring for the Citizens at the Etihad against Arsenal in the ninth minute.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners were not willing to lie down and accept defeat, though, with a brilliant long-range effort from Riccardo Calafiori restoring parity in the contest.

Gabriel put the visitors ahead in added-on time of the first half, however Man City snatched a point in the final moments of the game courtesy of substitute John Stones.

Haaland punishment fate revealed after ball throw?

According to journalist Jack Gaughan via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Haaland has learned his punishment fate following Sunday afternoon's incident in Manchester.

The report claims that the towering Norwegian is not expected to receive any retrospective punishment due to his actions in the second half against the Gunners.

It is understood that the VAR operating on Sunday afternoon investigated the situation from various angles as play went on at the Etihad.

The group of officials, assisted by the technology, concluded that no further action against Haaland was required, with the match carrying on as normal.

As a result, it was a case of 11v10 in the favour of the champions in the second period, when Leandro Trossard was sent off for two yellow cards.

Haaland escapes punishment but should still be rested

With Haaland escaping punishment for his off-ball antics on the weekend, the marksman can look forward to adding to his 100 Man City goals in the near future.

Highlighting the extreme levels of fixture congestion, the Citizens take to the field again on Tuesday night as they face Watford in the third round of the EFL Cup.

With just two days between the visit of Arteta's Gunners and Tom Cleverley's Hornets, Haaland is fully expected to sit out of the clash versus Championship opposition.

The Norwegian should regain his spot in the Man City XI for the trip to St James' Park, where Newcastle United will pose a stern test for Pep Guardiola's troops.