types.MergePatchType, labelsPatch, metav1.PatchOptions{})
	assert.NoError(t, err)

	// wait for another two update events
	// total 3 update at before unlabel point: 1. init ns reconcile 2. ns label reconcile 3. pod annotation update
	mt.Assert(EventTotals.Name(), map[string]string{"type": "update"}, monitortest.AtLeast(5))

	waitForMockCalls()

	assertPodNotAnnotated(t, client, pod)