Gabriel’s winning goal for Arsenal in north London derby should NOT have stood, claim Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand

Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand claim Gabriel’s winner in the north London derby should have been disallowed.

Arsenal beat Tottenham 1-0 to move up to second in the Premier League table and make it three consecutive away wins against their local rivals.

Gabriel’s second-half header proved the difference, with the Brazilian leaping highest from Bukayo Saka’s corner.

However, Merson and Ferdinand insist the goal should have been disallowed as the centre-back pushed Spurs’ Christian Romero in the build-up.

“I would be disappointed if I didn’t get a foul. He’s in the wrong position, everything is wrong with his defence,” former Gunners striker Merson told Sky Sports.

Paul Merson and Les Ferdinand claim the goal should have been ruled out for a foul in the build-up to the match

“He’s an international centre-back, even I know that, and I don’t even play defence, you have to be on the wing. You have to see the ball and your player.

“For a start, you have to be a hand’s length away and he’s standing right next to him. I’d expect a foul.”

Ferdinand admitted that Romero needed to be ‘stronger’ to defend Gabriel, but insisted on the push.

He said: “I think if a centre forward does that, the referee gives him a foul. They don’t even look at it. He needs to be stronger. He’s a poor defender, but he gets a push on the back.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Merson claimed Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber should have been sent off for a lunge at Pedro Porro after 36 minutes.

Gabriel’s header ensured Arsenal secured their third consecutive away win against their local rivals

“Looking at it, it’s lucky. Naturally, when you put your foot on the ball, it’s always going to roll in that direction, it’s never going to bounce back, it’s going to go in that direction,” he said.

“He’s lucky, especially away from home, and the way this referee has handed out yellow cards like they’re ice cream, he’s very lucky.”