Wayne Rooney says Arsenal star should have been sent off against Chelsea
metro.co.uk ·
Former Man Utd and England captain Wayne Rooney (Picture: BBC) Wayne Rooney believes Gabriel was ‘extremely lucky’ not to be sent off during Arsenal’s Premier League win over Chelsea. The reigning champions maintained their perfect start to the new season with a comeback victory over Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea on Sunday. Chelsea also came into the north London clash with a 100% record and made a superb start, taking the lead inside two minutes through ex-Arsenal target Morgan Rogers. But Kai Havertz equalised against his former club midway through the first half before Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard netted a second-half winner. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. Former Manchester United and England captain Rooney felt Arsenal should have been reduced to ten men just five minutes into the game after Gabriel kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head. Several Chelsea players reacted angrily to the incident which left Martinez lying in pain and requiring medical attention. Chris Kavanagh’s view was obscured by a scramble in the penalty box but VAR did not suggest the referee consult the pitchside monitor for a second look. Gabriel celebrating Arsenal’s win over Chelsea (Picture: Getty) Analysing the incident 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 added: ‘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. #ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/5icTyXMmh9— The Final Whistle (@Rufus_45) September 6, 2026 ‘I’m not sure why it hasn’t gone to VAR of if they’ve properly studied it because he’s nowhere the ball. He’s got away with one there.’ More to follow… Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source