Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 9:44

"And Abimelech, and the companies that were with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and the two companies rushed upon all that were in the field, and smote them." — Judges 9:44 (ASV)

In the entering of the gate of the city. —This time he was able to intercept the people before they could get back, and he had reserved the post of honour and peril for himself.