Should Gabriel's winner against Tottenham in north London derby have been disallowed? Paul Merson explains why Spurs will be 'disappointed' Arsenal goal was allowed to stand

A keenly-fought contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which saw the home side hold their own for long periods, was settled in the 64th minute when Brazilian defender Gabriel rose highest in the box to meet a corner from Bukayo Saka.

Gabriel looked to be all alone as he sprung into the air and planted a powerful header beyond Guglielmo Vicario, with the Gunners star losing his marker – fellow South American Cristian Romero. Spurs’ Argentine centre-half did, however, look to the referee for a foul.

Ex-Arsenal playmaker Paul Merson believes Romeo may have a case for a shove, telling Sky Sports: “I'd be disappointed if I didn't get a foul. He's in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending. He's a centre half international, even I know and I don't even play at the back you got to be side on. You got to see the ball and your player. To start off you have to be a hand length away and he's standing with him. I'd expect a foul.”

Former Tottenham striker Les Ferdinand echoed those sentiments, saying: “I think if a centre forward does that, the referee gives a foul against him. They don't even look at it . He does need to be stronger. It's poor defending but he does get a shove in his back.”

Spurs will be disappointed to have conceded from another set-piece, given their recent struggles in that area, but will believe that Romero could have been stronger in dealing with Gabriel. Arsenal, meanwhile, will have no complaints as their unbeaten start to the 2024-25 Premier League season has been extended to four games.