'I think': Dermot Gallagher says whether Gabriel's goal should have been disallowed for Arsenal

09/16/2024 07:25 AM

Whilst Tottenham Hotspur had a good element of control in the North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday, they were ultimately undone by their Achilles heel: set-pieces.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Tottenham's weakness happens to be their strength, Nicolas Jover has transformed the Gunners into the best set-piece side in the league.

And after already putting the sword to Guglielmo Vicario in last season's derby in N17, Gabriel Magalhaes once again headed home from a corner – albeit in more controversial circumstances. 

Gabriel's goal was allowed by Jarred Gillett on the pitch, and VAR didn't decide to intervene even though Cristian Romero felt as if he had been fouled.

Tottenham felt aggrieved, but Arsenal were busy heading to the corner flag in rapturous mood.

Cristian Romero told he got it all wrong for Arsenal’s winner

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher shared his thoughts on the situation on Sky Sports' Ref Watch following Sunday's affair.

And when speaking alongside Sue Smith, Gallagher thought the on-field ref made the right call – saying if anything a Spurs defender had actually been the one committing a foul. 

READ MORE: Kai Havertz says what Tottenham do a lot after Arsenal beat them in North London derby

Asked if the goal should have stood, Gallagher replied: "I think yes, I think it's a physical game and the referee lets a little bit go – interesting, if you think that's a foul then there's certainly a foul by the defender on the line. 

"I think it's Romero who grabs someone round the waist which is more of a foul."

"So I think the referee has got that right."

Smith added: "No I don't think there's enough in it, I think when you look at Romero, his body position, it has to be better.

"He's facing the other way to Gabriel, there's always going to be a slight physical contact in the area, I don't think there's enough of a push.

"I don't think that should have been ruled out."

Jarred Gillett missed a red card in the North London derby

Interestingly, if Gillett was right to award the goal, then perhaps his main mistake was not brandishing a red card during the game.

Watching the game, some felt as if Jurrien Timber deserved to be sent off – not because of his tackle alone, but also because of his coming together with Vicario afterwards.

There's no doubt that the incident will divide opinion among fans, especially given that Arsenal still feel hard done by for Declan Rice's red card two weeks ago.

But either way, once the dust has fully settled on the derby, Tottenham should probably focus on their own shortcomings, rather than debate referee decisions.

Vicario was at fault for the goal Spurs conceded, an area of his game that needs to improve immediately.