Gabriel was the match-winner as Arsenal edged Tottenham on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
Gabriel was fortunate to see his goal stand in the north London derby on Sunday, believe Arsenal hero Paul Merson and former Tottenham star Les Ferdinand.
The Brazilian defender scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners picked up a vital away win despite being without key players Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Spurs as they had plenty of possession and efforts on goal, but struggled to break down a disciplined Arsenal side and didn’t create many clear-cut chances.
It was also a frustration for the home fans as they conceded a straight forward goal from a set-piece as Gabriel headed in the winner and frustrations will have turned to anger after seeing the replay.
The Arsenal man clearly shoved Spurs defender Cristian Romero in the back to make room for himself before the header, which even Gunners icon Merson admitted was a foul.
‘I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul,’ Merson told Sky Sports. ‘He [Romero] is in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending.
‘He’s a centre half international, even I know and I don’t even play at the back you got to be side on. You got to see the ball and your player.
‘To start off you have to be a hand length away and he’s standing with him. I’d expect a foul.’
Was there a foul in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal? ð pic.twitter.com/3Dnm2PGd1I
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 15, 2024
Ferdinand agreed, saying he was surprised that VAR didn’t have something to say on the issue.
‘I think if a centre forward does that, the referee gives a foul against him,’ said the former Spurs striker.
‘They don’t even look at it . He does need to be stronger. It’s poor defending but he does get a shove in his back.’
Romero (no.17) was left watching as Gabriel headed home (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Ian Wright was not quite so clear cut on the decision, but admitted it could have been given as a free-kick to Spurs.
‘I was very surprised with Romero, it feels very easy for a defender of his calibre to be moved out of the way,’ Wright told Premier League Productions.
‘I think it could have been a foul but not enough maybe. That just seems very simple when you look at the proximity from the goal and where he headed it in, It’s a very easy goal for Arsenal to score.’
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