Is Gabriel the Most Protected Player in the Premier League Right Now?

Gabriel Gets Out of Jail Again - But Is He Living On Borrowed Time Now?

Arsenal were up to their usual antics again at the weekend. Pushing, shoving, tripping and wrestling were the order of the day, and while Chelsea admirably held up their end of the bargain in terms of discipline, the Gunners made it increasingly difficult for those in blue to keep their heads.

Morgan Rogers ended up getting in the face of England team mate Declan Rice after the midfielder blatantly tripped the attacker, while there were a couple of lesser flare ups across the game that gave it the competitive edge expected of a London derby.

The one major flashpoint, though, came minutes into the game when Gabriel Magalhaes, swinging for a loose ball bouncing around in the box, missed it completely and instead connected with former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s face, which, as one might expect, earned the Gunners are dreaded corner.

How this was not a foul? Gabriel kicking Martinez on head, should have been straight RED. #ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/5icTyXMmh9

— The Final Whistle (@Rufus_45) September 6, 2026

Gabriel’s VAR-dian Angel

The Brazilian centre back has long been known as one of English football’s most physical defenders, and more to the point, an even bigger shithouse. Pushing and kicking, putting in rough challenges but going down at the slightest touch - Gabriel has refined winding up attackers down to a fine art, and he’s so good at it that referees seem blinded by his action.

However, we at home can see through the act perfectly, and it was clear that the connection with Martinez in the Chelsea goal on Sunday was at least partially intended. Afterall, the Brazilian missed the ball by another ball's width, meaning there was nothing to slow his foot down as it swung rapidly towards the shot-stoppers cranium.

The decision did go to VAR, but there was nothing to indicate that it was being checked on TV screens at home, and in truth, there was very little hint on commentary, on the pitch, and from the referee that he was going to give anything other than an Arsenal corner, another point in the column of those who believe that there is a pro-Arsenal agenda.

VAR concluded that Gabriel’s attempted shot held “no malice”, and therefore did not deserve a reversal of the initial decision. This was decided while Martinez was being attended to by medical staff, the clearest possible indication that, despite there being “no malice”, it had been a dangerous tackle, and one which caused harm.

👏 '𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄' - Ex-PGMOL chief @HACKETTREF applauds decision not to punish Gabriel for kick to Emi Martinez's face during Arsenal-Chelsea! pic.twitter.com/LCYmwIF400

— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) September 6, 2026

There should have been widespread outrage, and there was within the Chelsea sphere, but the large majority of the football-following masses hardly referenced it. Perhaps, in their heart of hearts, they knew that nothing would be done about it. We have seen him avoid punishment so many times before.

Cat of Nine Lives

Remember his obvious headbutt on Erling Haaland? Gabriel was simply lucky that Haaland is a maniacal Scandinavian destroyer that won’t go to ground unless someone finds his off-switch - had that been Bruno Fernandes, he may have been banned for life.

And what about that punch/clothesline to Nick Woltemade last season. A closed fist making contact with the side of the head is not an ordinary way of competing with an aerial duel, but once again, VAR either failed or declined to intervene, ensuring Gabriel lived to see another day.

Even well-known platforms are starting to pick up on it now, with the ever-vocal TalkSPORT host Gabriel Agbonlahor leading the charge.

“It’s a high boot on the head of Martinez, you’ve got to look at players' welfare. What if that hits Martinez in the eye? It’s dangerous from Gabriel, it’s reckless when you know the keeper’s on the floor, and let’s not forget Jeff (Stelling) that Gabriel last season got away with the punch on Woltemade.”

Gabriel is the only player who can get away with these disgusting fouls without even a card. PGMOL clearly favour him it’s actually ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/ktWgy9y5uN

— Danis (@DanisMCFC) September 7, 2026

“He gets away with a lot, Gabriel. I thought it was a red card.”

Arsenal have had a habit of somehow swinging referees in their favour, and a lot of the time they have the ability to pull off the dark arts to thank. Don’t get me wrong, the dark arts certainly have their place in football, but it is ridiculous to make underhanded tactics and set-piece nonsense your identity rather than simply a trait.

It’s only gameweek three, and Gabriel has already escaped a very 50/50 decision. Since we’ve called it out early, keep an eye on him, as I’m sure it won’t be the last controversy involving the feisty Brazilian this season. There will be a time where, finally, the centre-back is caught in the act, and for the rest of the league's sake let's hope he learns that his style of defending has its drawbacks.