Steve McManaman has strongly criticised Arsenal central defender Gabriel on BT Sport 1 (1:48pm, January 1, 2022) for getting dismissed against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid star believes that the Arsenal centre-back needlessly got himself booked twice against City in the Premier League game on New Year’s Day.
The Brazilian defender was shown his first yellow card for scuffing up the penalty spot before Riyad Mahrez took the spot-kick.
Gabriel was soon given his second yellow card for barging into Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal lost 2-1.
McManaman was on co-commentary duty for the match on BT Sport 1, and he was disappointed with Gabriel, who cost Arsenal £27 million in transfer fee in September 2020 (Sky Sports).
The pundit said: “He deserves it, Gabriel. And fancy getting a yellow card for scuffing the spot up.
“Talk about ill-discipline. Talk about effectively throwing the game away. He deserves it. I am sorry. Absolutely ridiculous.”
Disappointing from Arsenal’s Gabriel
In our opinion, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel should have done better and should not have got himself booked the way he did.
There was no need whatsoever for the Brazilian defender to do what he did before the penalty.
Now, Manchester City could have won the Premier League game even if Arsenal had 11 men on the pitch.
We know how good the defending Premier League champions are.
The defender’s sending-off actually helped the Citizens and made it easier.
We do not think that there is any shame in losing to City even at home.
However, Arsenal will be bitterly disappointed at the way they lost.
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