"They don’t even look at it" - Arsenal legend and former Tottenham star in agreement that Gabriel's goal should be ruled out in North London derby
Football pundits Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand have explained why Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes' goal should not have stood against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory over Spurs in the north London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (15 September).
Magalhaes scored the only goal of the game with a header in the second half, assisted by Bukayo Saka. The Brazilian center-back found himself in an area of free space during a corner before heading it into the back of the net. However, in the build-up, he was seen pushing Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in the lead up.
Arsenal icon Paul Merson admitted that he would be disappointed if he were a Spurs fan, claiming that it should've been a foul. He told Sky Sports (via Metro):
"I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul. 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."
Former Tottenham star Les Ferdinand echoed Merson's claims and said:
"I think if a centre forward does that, the referee gives a foul against him. 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."
Arsenal will next face Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (19 September).
"They've got a serious contender" - Gary Neville sends warning to Manchester City after Arsenal defeat Tottenham
Gary Neville has warned Manchester City that they've got a serious contender for the title race in Arsenal this season. The pundit drew comparisons between the Gunners and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side.
Liverpool and Manchester City have been engaged in multiple closely fought title races over the years, with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp dominating the English top tier.
The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, have now entered the fray and have challenged for the title for the past two seasons. While they are yet to lift the Premier League trophy, Neville rates Arsenal's chances this season.
Previewing their crunch fixture against Manchester City next weekend, he said on Sky Sports:
"I'm excited about the game. It's a little bit like when Jurgen Klopp was chasing Pep Guardiola for a number of years and they eventually got there. It feels like that, with Arsenal on the shoulder of Man City."
The Manchester United icon added:
"What Guardiola and Man City have achieved over the last few years is incredible, but they know they've got a serious contender."