On September 7, Beijing Time (CEST), Manchester United legend Rooney delivered sharp commentary on "Match of the Day," arguing that Arsenal defender Gabriel was "extremely lucky" not to receive a red card from the referee in their victory over Chelsea.

The defending champions Arsenal bounced back on Sunday, defeating Chelsea, managed by Spanish coach Enzo Maresca, to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Chelsea also entered this highly anticipated London derby with an impressive 100% win record. They started well, with Morgan Rogers, Arsenal's long-time transfer target, scoring a lightning-quick goal within two minutes to take the lead.

However, Havertz calmly equalized against his former club in the first half, and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored the winning goal in the second half to secure the victory.

Former Manchester United and England captain Rooney explicitly stated that Arsenal should have been reduced to ten men from the fifth minute when Gabriel dangerously kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Ednerson Martinez in the head with a high foot.

Several Chelsea players expressed extreme anger over the controversial referee decision. The hard contact left Martinez writhing in pain on the pitch, requiring lengthy treatment from the medical team on the sideline.

Referee Chris Kavanagh's view was obstructed by the scramble in the penalty area at that moment, but surprisingly, the VAR assistant referee did not ask him to review the incident at the pitchside monitor.

Analyzing the controversial incident in depth on "Match of the Day," Rooney stated bluntly: "At first you might not see it clearly, but when you see the slow-motion replay..."

"Martinez already had the ball secured in his hands, but Gabriel kicked him in the head with a high foot. That's a very high challenge, and he's extremely lucky not to have been sent off on the spot."

Former England international Ashley Young agreed: "I completely agree. The ball was already in Martinez's hands, and Gabriel's foot was still very high."

"I really don't understand why VAR didn't intervene promptly, or whether they actually reviewed the footage at all – Gabriel didn't even touch the ball. He's definitely gotten away with a heavy punishment this time."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his players after winning this crucial London derby, calling Arsenal's overall performance "outstanding."

"Despite an imperfect start, the response from the entire team was incredible," said Arteta.

"I appreciate the fighting spirit the team showed today – we dared to take risks, and the match itself was enjoyable to watch, a fantastic and compelling game."

"They (Chelsea) have a very good manager (Maresca) who can get his team in top form. Plus, with their very strong squad depth, you feel they can create deadly chances at any time."

"But we limited their performance well today. Overall, our collective performance was outstanding."

Regarding Arsenal's perfect start to the new season and their prospects of retaining the league title, Arteta added: "We're very pleased right now, but we must continue to raise our demands and standards, fighting for improvement in every match."

"We still have plenty of room for improvement. But for now, we must enjoy this hard-fought victory, because three points today are very significant."

This week, Arsenal will temporarily set aside their Premier League title defense duties and officially begin their UEFA Champions League campaign for the new season, facing Serie A giants Napoli in the first round.

Meanwhile, the defeated Chelsea will return to action on Wednesday evening to face Leeds United in the League Cup.

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