A video replay appears to show Gabriel Jesus kicking out at Lisandro Martinez during Manchester United's 3-1 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils won the Premier League clash thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford and a debut goal from new £85million signing Antony, who arrived from Ajax on deadline day. The Gunners did equalise through Bukayo Saka but left Manchester pointless.
One of the fiercest contests in the game was between Jesus and Martinez, with the latter using his aggression to try to stop his rival. Jesus often got the better of Martinez in one-on-one situations, but he failed to do enough to help Arsenal win the game.
An example of the tough battle between the two South American stars came during the first half when Jesus appeared to kick Martinez after the United defender backed into him. The incident went unnoticed by the officials, but TV broadcasters did pick it up.
Martinez didn't react to Jesus' apparent kick, which is perhaps fortunate for the Gunners striker. If the Argentine had reacted to the Brazilian lashing out, the footage could've gone to the VAR official and Jesus could've been sent off for violent conduct.
It's unclear whether the FA will review the footage and dish out a punishment to Jesus. The FA only hand out a ban retrospectively when the incident isn't seen by the on-pitch officiating team or the VAR official. It's yet to be confirmed if this incident was seen.
What do you make of Gabriel Jesus' apparent kick at Lisandro Martinez? Let us known in the comments below!
Although Jesus' fate hangs in the balance, the fresh footage does say a lot about Martinez's love for a physical battle. Known as the "Butcher of Amsterdam" during his time at Ajax, the defender isn't afraid of a challenge - even if he stands at 5ft 9in.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports last month: He's obviously a very aggressive player and this manager [Erik ten Hag] knows him better than anyone. That's what he's about, he's a really aggressive defender, he's a fighter."
Carragher added: "The thing I would say about Martinez is that he’s really aggressive, reads the game well, gets on the ball well. What I would say about him, because of his size, is that is a problem for him. No matter what anyone says, being 5ft 9in is a problem."
Aggression is also a key aspect of Jesus' game. The Brazilian made Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger - who has since left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid - uncomfortable during a game between the Blues and his ex-club Manchester City in September 2021.
"That's as uncomfortable as I've seen Rudiger play, he [Jesus] was matching him up, driving at him, not many forward players have done that to Rudiger," former Man City defender Joleon Lescott told BT Sport after the Premier League fixture.
United icon Rio Ferdinand added: "I think he's a player who players will look back on in a few years and say I loved playing with him, he gives you everything. He works off the ball, he's a nuisance to play against, he's always around you, he's aggressive, he leaves his feet in there... he plays for Brazil as a number nine, he's got quality."
