Tim Sherwood labelled Brazilian international Gabriel Magalhaes as ‘foolish’ for the part he played in Arsenal conceding a penalty during their 3-1 win over Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday.
The former Tottenham boss was also critical of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who he thinks was in ‘no-man’s land’ moments before Gabriel fouled Richarlison inside the box.
At the time, Harry Kane, for the 14th time, scored in the north London derby, this time to level the scores following Thomas Partey’s wonderful opener.
But that was as much Tottenham were able to shout about because, at the start of the second half, it was Hugo Lloris telling Gabriel to hold his beer.
The France international’s mistake allowed Gabriel Jesus to put Arsenal back in the lead, before Emerson Royal told Gabriel and Lloris to hold his beer when he got sent off for his challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
It was all about the Gabriel’s yesterday, as Sherwood spoke about how Tottenham’s penalty was awarded, as he told Premier League Productions (01/10/22 at 1:25 pm).
“They left Son in acres of space, as soon as he picks it up, he takes on their back four and they counter-attack,” said Sherwood.
“It was a good one-two with Harry Kane. He should be fouled on the halfway line. You think they missed the opportunity when he overhits the pass.
“Ramsdale then gets himself into no-man’s when they cross the ball and there’s another opportunity where they should be able to clear the ball. What row are you going to put that into? Put it into the stands and it’s not a penalty.
“Then Gabriel tries to win it on the wrong side and it’s a foolish decision to make and it’s a clear penalty.”
ARSENAL WIN THE BRAGGING RIGHTS
The main aim for a derby, whether it’s the north London derby, or the Manchester derby on Sunday, is you win, at any cost and in any way.
If you somehow manage to add flair, great goals and brilliant football to proceedings, then so be it.
But as long as you get over that line, and in truth, Arsenal produced a lot of great football yesterday, and whilst the lack of clean sheet would have been disappointing, they kept Spurs at bay from open play.
And with all of that comes a valuable three points, the bragging rights of north London again and Mikel Arteta’s side sitting top of the Premier League table.
