Arsenal fans looked on with pride as both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes helped Brazil down Japan to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
Gabriel produced a stunning cross for Casemiro to nod in the equaliser, while Martinelli was on hand to turn home Bruno Guimaraes’ pass for a dramatic winner.
All in all, it was a good day at the office for the Brazilian contingent at the club and after a worrying first half, getting through will mean a lot to Gabriel and co.
Nevertheless, that first half was a worry and after Japan took the lead, it looked like they might end up running away with things.
💰 Bruno Guimaraes is turning 29 in November and has TWO years left on his contract… How much should Arsenal pay to sign him?
Interestingly, it was Man United midfielder Casemiro who was made to look silly as Japan’s Kaishu Sano gave them the lead.
However, in a bizarre comment, former Man United man Rio Ferdinand appeared to pin the blame on Gabriel.
Rio Ferdinand’s comment on Gabriel and not Casemiro was just ridiculous
Ferdinand is never shy in his opinion and if we’re being honest, there’s been plenty of Man United bias over the years with some comments.
On this occasion, though, it seemed inexcusable to suggest it was Arsenal defender Gabriel who was at fault and not Casemiro.
Taking to X to give his observation, Ferdinand posted the following:
Yes, Gabriel was part of a Brazil defence that did back off as Sano ran through the middle.
However, to suggest it was the Arsenal man’s fault and not mention Casemiro is just bordering on the ridiculous.
In the ITV studio, all of Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Ange Postecoglou all agreed that it was Casemiro who made the errors that allow Sano to make his way through on goal.
Whether or not Ferdinand is purposely trying to rage bait the Arsenal fans here, only he knows.
But in terms of observations that are simply wrong, Ferdinand has had one here and he can’t even deny it.
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