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.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: a during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
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”
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 22: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese Cup match between Sporting CP and Amarante FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 22, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
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.”
Freddie Ljungberg
Photo: Arsenal.com
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”
Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on December 4, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images
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
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
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.”
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