Arsenal swept past Sporting Lisbon with a dominant 5–1 victory in the Champions League, but much of the post-match discussion revolved around Brazilian centre-back Gabriel’s mockery of Viktor Gyökeres’ signature goal celebration.
Arsenal’s comprehensive display
The Gunners took control early at the Alvalade, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring after just seven minutes. Kai Havertz doubled the lead before Gabriel headed in Arsenal’s third just before halftime.
The Brazilian defender celebrated by mimicking Gyökeres’ well-known goal gesture, clasping his hands over his face—a move that sparked criticism from some quarters.
The match had been billed as a test for Gabriel, given the attention on Gyökeres, who has scored an astonishing 24 goals in 20 games this season and is reportedly being courted by Premier League clubs.
However, Arsenal’s defence effectively nullified the Swede, preventing him from having any significant impact.
Ljungberg: “I find it disrespectful”
Former Arsenal star Fredrik Ljungberg, speaking as an expert for Viaplay, voiced his disapproval of Gabriel’s celebration. Ljungberg, who won two Premier League titles and was part of Arsenal’s legendary 2003–04 Invincibles squad, criticised the Brazilian for what he deemed unnecessary showmanship.
“I’m not a fan of that,” Ljungberg said. “There has certainly been a lot of talk about him playing against Gyökeres and whether he would be able to do it. Then I guess his point is that he can handle it quite easily, but I find it a bit disrespectful.”
He added: “Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I think someone else has that goal gesture—leave it alone. I don’t like to see it.”
Gyökeres: “He can twist it if he likes”
Gyökeres himself appeared unfazed by Gabriel’s celebration when asked about it post-match. “It’s fun that he likes my goal gesture,” the Swede said. “He may well twist it if he doesn’t come up with one of his own.”
The striker endured a frustrating evening, with Arsenal defenders marking him tightly and denying him space. Viaplay’s expert Lars Lagerbäck noted, “It is noticeable that Arsenal’s players are extra fired up to meet him. Then he doesn’t get a millimetre for free. They’ve stripped him every time he’s had the chance.”
Second-half control and Arsenal’s dominance
Sporting’s hopes of a comeback briefly flickered when Gonçalo Inácio reduced the deficit shortly after the break. But Arsenal swiftly regained control, with Bukayo Saka converting a penalty to make it 4–1, and Leandro Trossard sealing the result with a late fifth goal.
Viaplay analyst Bojan Djordjic summed up the performance succinctly: “Class difference.”
