Wayne Rooney has argued that Arsenal defender Gabriel was fortunate to remain on the pitch after his boot connected with Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez's head during Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.

The incident unfolded in the first half when Gabriel, lying on the ground, swung his left leg in an attempt to reach the ball. His foot barely grazed the ball before striking Martinez in the head, forcing the Chelsea goalkeeper to receive treatment on the pitch. Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue and VAR chose not to intervene.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney was unequivocal in his assessment: "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 Manchester United teammate Ashley Young echoed those sentiments: "I agree. 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 near the ball. He's got away with one there."

Halsey pushes back on red card calls

Not everyone shares Rooney's view. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey told The Sun that the incident did not amount to violent conduct. "Everybody was on the floor. There's legs flying all over the place, and then there was the ball was loose and Gabriel aims a kick at the ball, totally misses the ball, and then catches Chelsea goalkeeper Martinez in the head," Halsey said.

"Now, is that an act of violent conduct or is it, was it normal contact? Yes, for me, I think there's a doubt there to whether it was violent conduct, only Gabriel will know if he deliberately kicked Martinez. But for me, without a doubt, it's not violent conduct because everybody's in there. He's got a right to go for the ball and because they're all on the floor, that's why he's caught Martinez in the head."

Arsenal's comeback seals London derby

The controversy did little to overshadow Arsenal's performance on the day. Despite falling behind early, Arsenal fought back with Kai Havertz drawing the sides level before Martin Odegaard put Arsenal ahead shortly after half-time. Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser, leaving the Emirates empty-handed as Gabriel's moment of fortune became the derby's defining talking point.