Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal defender Gabriel was 'extremely lucky' not to be sent off during the Premier League champions' 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea on Sunday. The incident occurred just five minutes into the match at the Emirates Stadium when Gabriel kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head as the Argentine held the ball on the ground.
Several Chelsea players reacted angrily, and Martinez required medical attention after being left in pain. Referee Chris Kavanagh's view was obscured by a scramble in the penalty box, and VAR did not recommend a pitchside monitor review. The decision has sparked widespread debate among pundits and former players.
Rooney's analysis on Match of the Day
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Rooney said: 'You don't really see it at first sight but then when you see a replay and they slow it down… Martinez has got the ball in his hands and Gabriel boots him in the head, he swings a leg and goes way over the top. He's extremely lucky to stay on the pitch.'
Former England defender Ashley Young echoed Rooney's view, telling the programme: 'I agree. When the ball is on the floor and Martinez has it, Gabriel kicks so high. How this was not a foul? Gabriel kicking Martinez on head, should have been straight RED.'
Match context and reactions
The incident took place during a match between two sides with perfect starts to the season. Chelsea took the lead inside two minutes through Morgan Rogers, a former Arsenal target, before Kai Havertz equalised against his former club midway through the first half. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the second-half winner to maintain Arsenal's 100% record.
Young added: 'I'm not sure why it hasn't gone to VAR or if they've properly studied it because he's nowhere the ball. He's got away with one there.' The debate over the incident is likely to continue, with Arsenal's perfect start and Chelsea's first defeat of the season adding to the narrative.
