3 weeks ago
4
GABRIEL MAGALHAES brutally mocked Viktor Gyokeres after scoring during Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon.
The Gunners ran riot in the first half with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz before Gabriel, 26, scored a third in injury time to put them 3-0 up.
AFP
AlamyFollowing his goal he then performed the celebration of Gyokeres, 26, by interlocking his fingers in front of his face.
Gabriel’s version of it covered his eyes as opposed to his nose and mouth like what Gyokeres’ version does.
Sporting, now coached by Joao Pereira following Ruben Amorim‘s departure to Manchester United, pulled one back after the break through Goncalo Inacio.
However, a penalty from Bukayo Saka and late goal from Leandro Trossard sealed the deal for Mikel Arteta’s side.
It also marked the first time they had scored five goals away from home in the Champions League for 16 years.
However, Gyokeres hit back at Gabriel following the celebration.
He told Viaplay: “[Gabriel is] Welcome to steal it if he can’t create his own celebration!
“I didn’t know he did that, but it’s fun he likes my celebration.”
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The celebration appears to be inspired by iconic Batman film The Dark Knight Rises villain Bane, who wears a mask in a similar fashion.
However, the former Coventry star told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses…
“There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.
“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.”
Gabriel has previously referenced rivals celebrations after a win himself, famously mimicking Ivan Toney’s, “Nice kick about with the boys” tweet in 2022.
However, Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg slammed Gabriel for the “disrespectful” move.
The Invincibles icon told Viaplay: “I’m not a fan of it.
“Of course, he must have had a lot of talk about playing against Gyokeres and whether he would be able to do it.
“Then his point in showing that he can handle it is quite simple.
“But I think it’s a bit disrespectful. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t think it’s necessary.
“I think someone else has that target gesture, leave it alone. I don’t like to see it.”
There is a chance Gabriel could face off with Gyokeres in the Premier League in the future.
SunSport exclusively revealed how both Man Utd and Manchester City are scrapping it out for the Swede in a £65million deal.
Arsenal ratings vs Sporting
David Raya – 6
Did not have much to do besides a save from Morten Hjulmund. Good distribution and catches from crosses.
Jurrien Timber – 8
A great low cross into the box for Arsenal’s opener. Very solid at right-back all game.
William Saliba – 7
Dealt with Viktor Gyokeres well. Did not get drawn into fouling him and held his ground before timing the tackle well.
Gabriel – 8
Scored his trademark back-post crashing goal from a corner. A great leap and powerful header once again.
Riccardo Calafiori – 5
Lost his man and ended up on the deck as Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner.
Thomas Partey – 8
A sensational ball over the top of the Sporting defence to put Saka through on goal for the second.
Declan Rice – 6
His first game back from injury. Was perhaps the reason why his display was not as good as usual and was taken off early.
Martin Odegaard – 9
Pulls the strings for the Gunners and has the ability to pick passes that carve open defences from the edge of the box, particularly combining well with Saka.
Such a huge difference between performances with and without him in the team. Absolutely incredible.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Simply brilliant. A constant threat down the right as always, twisting and turning defenders inside out. His penalty was exceptional and came at a time when Arsenal were a little up against it.
Kai Havertz – 8
Was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Intelligent runs and movement from him as he often dropped deep to receive the ball.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Was incredibly lively in the opening period, working hard defensively and causing Sporting a problem with his directness. Good movement for the goal.
But Martinelli faded and did very little after that.
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