Rare Footage of Arsenal Goals Shows What Gabriel Did During Corner Kick, Tottenham Fans Furious as Arsenal Win 2-1
In a thrilling North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, controversy erupted after rare footage revealed defender Gabriel Magalhães’ actions during a crucial corner kick. Arsenal came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory, with Gabriel scoring the equalizer and Leandro Trossard netting the winner. However, the manner of Gabriel’s involvement during his goal left Tottenham fans questioning the legality of his tactics.
The Incident
The match, filled with intensity and drama, saw Tottenham take an early lead through a well-taken strike from Son Heung-Min. Arsenal responded shortly afterward with a corner kick that changed the game’s momentum. Gabriel Magalhães made his way into the box and positioned himself aggressively among the defenders. As the corner was swung in, he used his strength to create space, outmuscling a Tottenham defender before heading the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Replay footage later circulated online, highlighting Gabriel’s physicality during the set-piece. Tottenham fans quickly took to social media, claiming that the defender’s actions were overly aggressive and possibly outside the bounds of fair play. Some supporters pointed out that he appeared to hold down a Spurs defender while maneuvering into position, questioning why the goal was not disallowed.
Tottenham Fans Demand Clarification
Tottenham fans were left fuming, with many arguing that VAR should have intervened. Social media was flooded with reactions, with phrases like “Is this allowed?” and “Blatant foul” trending among Spurs supporters. The perceived leniency of the match officials reignited debates over the consistency of refereeing decisions and the effectiveness of VAR in high-stakes games.
One fan wrote, “If Gabriel can wrestle our defender to the ground and score, what’s the point of having VAR? This decision cost us the match.” Others shared slowed-down footage to emphasize their point, believing that such physical play should have been penalized.
Arsenal’s Winning Goal
Shortly after the equalizer, Arsenal gained momentum. Leandro Trossard delivered a composed finish to give Arsenal a 2-1 lead, completing the comeback. The Gunners’ relentless pressing and quick transitions overwhelmed Spurs, who struggled to regain control. Despite late efforts, Tottenham failed to find another goal, leaving Arsenal to celebrate a crucial victory.
Managerial Reactions
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and determination. “We showed great character today. Gabriel’s goal was about commitment and desire, and I’m proud of how the team fought back,” he said.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, while refraining from directly criticizing the referees, expressed his disappointment. “There are always moments in football that you feel could go either way, but we have to focus on our performance and learn from this.”
Was Gabriel’s Goal Fair?
Pundits offered mixed reactions to the incident. Some defended Gabriel’s physical approach, stating that such battles are common in set-piece situations and are part of the game’s physical nature. Others argued that stricter enforcement of holding and pushing in the box is necessary to ensure fair play.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey weighed in, saying, “It’s a grey area. There’s a fine line between using strength and committing a foul. In this case, the referee’s interpretation was to let it go, and VAR didn’t see a clear and obvious error.”
Conclusion
Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham was a dramatic affair filled with controversy. Gabriel Magalhães’ equalizing goal will be debated for weeks, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two clubs. As Tottenham fans continue to question the officiating, Arsenal supporters will celebrate a hard-fought win that keeps their momentum alive in the Premier League.
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