Garth Crooks delivers his honest verdict on whether Gabriel Magalhaes should have been sent off against Leeds United

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BBC pundit Garth Crooks has now delivered his honest verdict on whether Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes should have been sent off against Leeds United. 

The Gunners picked up yet another three points at Elland Road yesterday as they ran out 1-0 winners.

Bukayo Saka’s excellent first-half goal proved to be the difference between the sides. But there were some controversial moments during the game, particularly in the second-half.

Patrick Bamford was in the thick of the action after coming off the bench at half-time and had a goal ruled out. The striker was judged to have fouled Gabriel right before he smashed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale. 

The pair were also involved in a big moment during stoppage time as Gabriel was initially sent off for kicking out at Bamford. Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot, but the decision was overturned by VAR once again and Gabriel received a yellow card.

And Crooks cannot understand why the 24-year-old’s red card was rescinded. 

Crooks delivers verdict on Gabriel

Writing in his latest column for the BBC, Crooks selected Saka in his Premier League Team of the Week. 

The pundit praised Saka for an ‘outrageous’ finish but questioned the officiating during the game.

He said: “And why Gabriel saw his late red card for violent conduct rescinded is a complete mystery because that’s what it was – regardless of what the video assistant referee at Stockley park said.

“There was a time when the referee’s decision was final, VAR has changed that.”

The Gunners were under massive pressure in the second-half but held strong to pick up an important win.

Arteta’s side remain at the top of the Premier League and have now opened up a four-point gap.

Arsenal certainly rode their luck at times yesterday and weren’t at their best. But Arteta will be delighted with the resolve his side showed. 

As for Leeds, Jesse Marsch will be gutted to have not picked up at least a point yesterday. His side were by far the better team during the second-half but missed big opportunities.