Gyokeres was cleaned outplaceholder image
Gyokeres was cleaned out | Getty Images
A former Premier League referee has been dissecting some of the key decisions during Arsenal’s win over Brighton.
The win means Arsenal keep hold of a two-point advantage over Manchester City, and they are just one game away from going into 2026 as Premier League leaders.
Although, the Gunners do face Aston Villa in their final game of the year, and the West Midlands side are on a run of 11 straight wins no less. Villa themselves are now in the title race, just three points back, and it’s set up to be a very interesting top-of-the-table clash, and while the Brighton game will already be behind Arsenal, given the quick turnaround, it is worth looking back at some of the refereeing decisions.
One of the biggest decisions involved Viktor Gyokeres, who was cleaned out by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who rushed out towards the touchline knowing he needed to get ball or player to avoid being caught out.
Gyokeres got there first, and Verbruggen forcefully clattered the Sweden international. A yellow card was awarded, but many felt it should have been a red.
Gallagher agrees with the decision made, telling Sky Sports: “It was reckless and reckless is a yellow card. He doesn't win the ball and Gyokeres is going away from goal, it is not a goal-scoring opportunity. I didn't think anything other than a yellow.”
Conversely, former Arsenal striker Jay Bothroyd disagreed, adding: “I thought it was dangerous. Gyokeres has done well, he knows he's the favourite. And Verbruggen has clattered him. Because he's not in control of it, it should be a red card. It's like the Isak challenge, when you're reckless and throwing yourself into the ball, you're endangering players.
“Why is a reckless challenge a yellow card? It's out of control and endangering players? Again, the terminology is confusing me. That's a red card challenge all day long.”
Jesus incident
Gabriel Jesus also thought he was hard done by when he was denied a penalty tale on. The Brazilian was knocked over by Ferdi Kadıoglu, but the contact was deemed to have been legal.
Again, Gallagher thinks the officials got it right, adding: “It's a coming together, no foul at all. Players make contact but it's a contact sport.”
Continue Reading