Gabriel’s winning goal for Arsenal in north London derby should NOT have stood, claim Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand
- Gabriel scored the only goal as Arsenal secured their third consecutive win at Tottenham
- Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand claim the goal should have been disallowed for a foul
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all about to begin!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand claim Gabriel’s winning goal in the North London derby should have been disallowed.
Arsenal beat Tottenham 1-0 to move into second place in the Premier League, recording their third consecutive victory away to local rivals.
Gabriel’s second-half header proved decisive after the Brazilian jumped highest to take a curling corner from Bukayo Saka.
However, Merson and Ferdinand believe the goal should have been disallowed as the centre-back pushed Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Romero in the build-up to the match.
“I would be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul. He’s in the wrong position, everything is wrong with his defending,” former Gunners striker Merson said on Sky Sports.
Gabriel’s second-half header proved to be the difference as Arsenal beat Tottenham
Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand claim the goal should have been disallowed for a foul in the build-up to the match.
‘He’s a centre half international, even I know it and I don’t even play at the back, you have to be on the side. You have to see the ball and your player.
‘To start with, you have to be a hand’s length away and he’s standing by him. I would expect a foul.’
Ferdinand admitted Romero had to be ‘stronger’ to defend Gabriel but insisted he had to persevere
He said: ‘I think if a striker does that, the referee will give him a foul. They don’t even look at it. He has to be stronger. It’s bad defending, but he gets a push in the back.’
Earlier in the afternoon, Merson claimed Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber should have been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro after 36 minutes.
Gabriel’s header ensured Arsenal made it three straight victories at their local rivals
“If you look at it, he’s (lucky). Of course, if you put your foot on the ball, it’s always going to roll that way, he’s never going to set it up and bounce back, it’s going to go that way,” he said.
‘He’s lucky, especially away from home. And the way this referee hands out yellow cards like they’re ice creams is really, really nice.’
