A few defenders across the Premier League have said the only way to really stand a chance of dealing with Erling Haaland is to get under his skin. To wind him up. Disturb his focus.
Often that is little digs to the ribs, a word in the ear. He can become distracted by that sort of stuff. Chris Mepham and Illya Zabarnyi’s understanding of the dark arts was far more literal as Bournemouth attempted to blunt the Premier League champions in a stadium where they always win.
Barges, pushes, slanging matches.