Wayne Rooney says Arsenal star 'extremely lucky' to avoid red card vs Chelsea | OneFootball

Gabriel booted Emi Martinez in the head minutes after Morgan Rogers’ opening goal

Wayne Rooney believes Gabriel was “extremely lucky” to avoid a red card during Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Chelsea.

The reigning champions preserved their perfect start to the new season with a comeback win against Xabi Alonso’s side, who had also won their opening two matches.

Chelsea made a dream start when Morgan Rogers - a former Arsenal transfer target - put them ahead inside two minutes, but Kai Havertz equalised against his former club before Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the winner in the second half.

But Rooney felt Arsenal should have been reduced to 10 men, soon after Chelsea went ahead, after Gabriel kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head inside the penalty area.

Several Chelsea players reacted angrily after Martinez was left in pain and required treatment. Referee Chris Kavanagh’s view was blocked by players, while VAR did not recommend a review.

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Rooney said: “You don’t really see it at first sight but then when you see a replay and they slow it down… Martinez has got the ball in his hands and Gabriel boots him in the head, he swings a leg and goes way over the top. He’s extremely lucky to stay on the pitch.”

Former England defender Ashley Young agreed, saying: “When the ball is on the floor and Martinez has it, Gabriel kicks so high. I’m not sure why it hasn’t gone to VAR of if they’ve properly studied it because he’s nowhere the ball. He’s got away with one there.”