Arsenal defender Gabriel rubbed salt in the wounds of Sporting Lisbon by mocking superstar Viktor Gyokeres’ iconic celebration.
The Brazilian powered a header home from an inviting Declan Rice corner for Arsenal‘s third of their Champions League clash against Sporting.
But it wasn’t just the goal that had fans talking.
As Gabriel wheeled away to celebrate with his teammates by the corner flag, he interlocked his fingers and covered his face with them.
It was a familiar celebration made famous by Sporting marksman Gyokeres, who has had plenty of opportunities to wheel it out this term given he’s scored 33 times in just 25 appearances for club and country this term.
Fans on social media couldn’t believe Gabriel had the chutzpah to openly copy Gyokeres’ iconic celebration in front of the Sporting faithful.
One fan said on X: “LOOOOL Gabriel said Gyokeres come get your celee back.”
Sports broadcaster Nubaid Haroon wrote: “Nah Gabriel is rude loool whys be beefing Gyokeres.”
Another posted: “Gabriel pocketing Gyokeres for 45 minutes before notching a goal and doing Gyokeres’ celebration.”
This fan then stated: “Gabriel Magalhaes pulling out Gyokeres’ celebration right in his own backyard—this guy’s a certified menace.”
Gyokeres, linked with a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, looked a far cry from the goal machine he has been this term as Arsenal dominated the opening half of the Champions League tie.
The Gunners hit the lead in the seventh minute through Gabriel Martinelli as he tapped home Jurrien Timber’s low cross.
Gabriel then headed home Arsenal’s third on the stroke of half-time[/caption]
There was a brief VAR check to assess whether Timber had made his run too early, but the Dutchman timed it to perfection as the goal stood.
Arsenal then doubled their advantage 15 minutes later via Kai Havertz.
Thomas Partey threaded a perfect pass between several Sporting defenders and into the path of Bukayo Saka on the right flank.
Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel rushed out in an attempt to smother the ball, but Saka cheekily poked it through his legs and Havertz was on hand to tap home.
It was the German’s 100th goal in his club career.
Gabriel added the third on the stroke of half time, leaving Sporting with a serious mountain to climb going into the second half.