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Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has responded with humor after Arsenal defender Gabriel appeared to imitate his goal celebration during the Gunners’ commanding 5-1 victory in Lisbon on Tuesday night (November 26).
It was a frustrating evening for the Swedish forward and his teammates. The Portuguese team faced a ruthless Arsenal side in their first European outing under interim management following Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United.
Gyökeres, who has been in scintillating form for Sporting, was unusually subdued as the Gunners' defensive unit nullified his threat.
Adding to the night’s drama, Gabriel’s celebration after the north London side's third goal just before the half-time mark seemed to take a direct jab at Gyökeres. The Brazilian centre-back scored with a powerful header from a Declan Rice corner just before half-time.
After the ball hit the back of the net, Gabriel sprinted to the corner flag and performed Gyökeres’ trademark gesture. He placed his hands across his eyes with interlocked fingers—a move the striker often uses when celebrating his goals.
Speaking about the incident after the match, Gyökeres took it in good spirits. Here's what he said while speaking to ViaPlay:
"He's 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."
Gabriel's playful jab added a lighter moment to a match filled with high stakes and intense competition.
The victory underlined the Gunners' credentials as serious contenders in the Champions League. On the flip side, it also deepened the frustration for Gyökeres, a talismanic figure for Sporting.
Sporting’s Pedro Gonçalves reportedly mocked former Arsenal player Granit Xhaka's celebration in 2023
According to The Metro, Gabriel’s gesture could be seen as a playful retaliation for an incident in 2023. Last year, Sporting’s Pedro Gonçalves mocked Granit Xhaka’s trademark celebration.
That moment occurred after Sporting eliminated Arsenal on penalties in the Europa League’s Round of 16. Following the defeat, Gonçalves mocked Xhaka’s distinctive "thumb-on-the-nose" celebration.
Gabriel’s actions on Tuesday may have been a nod to that moment, bringing the rivalry full circle.
Gyökeres' subdued performance against Arsenal is a rare blip in what has otherwise been a phenomenal season. The 26-year-old striker has scored five goals in the Champions League so far - only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski has more with seven.
Since joining Sporting, Gyökeres has been unstoppable. The Swede international has 67 goals in just 69 appearances, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards.
Despite speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal, the Swedish striker was outshone on the night by a Gunners team firing on all cylinders.
Gabriel’s celebration may have added insult to injury for Sporting fans, but it was Arsenal’s dominant performance that truly stole the show. The night wasn’t without setbacks for the Gunners, as Gabriel was forced off late in the game with an injury.
Nevertheless, the result marked an emphatic statement from Mikel Arteta’s side, who now look to continue their European campaign with renewed confidence.
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Edited by Ritwik Kumar