swept previous Sporting Lisbon with a dominant 5–1 victory within the Champions League, however a lot of the post-match dialogue revolved round Brazilian centre-back Gabriel’s mockery of Viktor Gyökeres’ signature aim celebration.
Arsenal’s complete show
The Gunners took management early on the Alvalade, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring after simply seven minutes. Kai Havertz doubled the lead earlier than Gabriel headed in Arsenal’s third simply earlier than halftime.
The Brazilian defender celebrated by mimicking Gyökeres’ well-known aim gesture, clasping his fingers over his face—a transfer that sparked criticism from some quarters.
The match had been billed as a take a look at for Gabriel, given the eye on Gyökeres, who has scored an astonishing 24 targets in 20 video games this season and is reportedly being courted by Premier League golf equipment.
Nevertheless, Arsenal’s defence successfully nullified the Swede, stopping him from having any important impression.
Ljungberg: “I discover it disrespectful”
Former star Fredrik Ljungberg, talking as an skilled for Viaplay, voiced his disapproval of Gabriel’s celebration. Ljungberg, who received two Premier League titles and was a part of Arsenal’s legendary 2003–04 Invincibles squad, criticised the Brazilian for what he deemed pointless showmanship.
“I’m not a fan of that,” Ljungberg . “There has definitely been plenty of discuss him enjoying in opposition to Gyökeres and whether or not he would be capable of do it. Then I assume his level is that he can deal with it fairly simply, however I discover it a bit disrespectful.”
He added: “Possibly I’m old style, however I don’t suppose it’s vital. I believe another person has that aim gesture—depart it alone. I don’t wish to see it.”
Gyökeres: “He can twist it if he likes”
Gyökeres himself appeared unfazed by Gabriel’s celebration when requested about it post-match. “It’s enjoyable that he likes my aim gesture,” the Swede stated. “He could nicely twist it if he doesn’t give you one in every of his personal.”
The striker endured a irritating night, with Arsenal defenders marking him tightly and denying him area. Viaplay’s skilled Lars Lagerbäck famous, “It’s noticeable that Arsenal’s gamers are further fired as much as meet him. Then he doesn’t get a millimetre at no cost. They’ve stripped him each time he’s had the prospect.”
Second-half management and Arsenal’s dominance
Sporting’s hopes of a comeback briefly flickered when Gonçalo Inácio diminished the deficit shortly after the break. However Arsenal swiftly regained management, with Bukayo Saka changing a penalty to make it 4–1, and Leandro Trossard sealing the outcome with a late fifth aim.
Viaplay analyst Bojan Djordjic summed up the efficiency succinctly: “Class distinction.”