Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, but the match has sparked fresh debate over a challenge by Gabriel on goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Attention now turns to the Champions League, where the Gunners face Napoli on Wednesday and hope to go one step further than last season's final.
Nyberg appointed for Napoli clash
Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg will officiate the match against Napoli. Nyberg previously oversaw Arsenal's home encounter with Bayern Munich during the 2023/24 Champions League, a game that ended 2-2 and was dominated by penalty decisions. Harry Kane converted Bayern's second goal from the spot, but Nyberg opted against awarding Arsenal a penalty following a late incident between Bukayo Saka and Manuel Neuer.
That Bayern match was not Nyberg's first time officiating a game involving Arsenal. He also took charge of a group-stage fixture during the same campaign, when Mikel Arteta's side claimed a victory away at Sevilla.
Gabriel lucky to escape red card
Former Manchester United stars Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young believe Gabriel was fortunate to escape a red card during the win over Chelsea. Both felt the Brazilian could have been sent off after his boot made contact with Martinez's head.
"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," Rooney said on Match of the Day.
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 or if they've properly studied it because he's nowhere the ball. He's got away with one there."
