Arsenal fell flat again in a big game as Manchester City took the initiative in the Premier League title race.
The home side won 2-1 in the end thanks to Erling Haaland’s winner and the title is now effectively out of Arsenal’s hands.
Still, while the result was a big one, there was also a huge talking point involving Arsenal defender Gabriel and Haaland. The duo battled all day long and on another day, Gabriel might well have seen red.
However, while opinions will differ on what should and shouldn’t have happened, Roy Keane has actually praised Haaland for keeping Gabriel on the field.
Roy Keane claims Erling Haaland helped Gabriel avoid a red card
We’ve seen a number of contentious decisions this season both for and against Arsenal but anyone with a bit of sense will realise Gabriel got a bit lucky today.
In putting his head towards Haaland, the Brazilian very much ran the risk of a red. And according to Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane, Gabriel has Haaland to thank for staying on the field.
“They were both at it with each other all game and that’s what you want to see. We saw it with the head situation, Haaland could have easily gone down, he’s done well there,” Keane said.
“He does [save Gabriel a bit]. But you also don’t want other players going around trying to get others sent off. That’s the referee’s decision. I like what he’s done. He’s thought yeah he’s stuck his head on me but you know, I’ll get on with it.”
Gabriel lucky to not completely cost Arsenal the title
The result itself has a big impact on proceedings and we all now know that it’s down to City now.
However, had Gabriel actually seen red here, then it might have been time to wave goodbye to the title this very weekend.
The Brazilian would have been handed a three-match ban, surely something Arsenal would have struggled to overcome.
As it is, Arsenal now have five league games left and Gabriel will be available for them all, as it stands.
If he was to miss three of the five, then it would be a huge loss for the Gunners.
Now, it’s key that Gabriel repays Arsenal fans after this moment of madness and furthermore, he might well owe Haaland a touch of thanks as well.
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