Viktor Gyokeres reacted to Gabriel copying his celebration (Image: Getty)
Viktor Gyokeres joked Gabriel Magalhaes is free to “steal” his popular goal celebration after the defender scored in their Champions League encounter with Sporting on Tuesday night.
The Gunners thrashed their Portuguese opponents in Lisbon as ‘s men at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, their biggest away win in the competition for 21 years.
Gabriel was amongst the goalscorers after bagging their third of the night on the stroke of half-time, heading home from a Declan Rice corner.
The Brazilian marked his third goal of the season in all competitions by imitating Gyokeres’ mask celebration, cupping both hands together and concealing the majority of his face.
Many interpreted it as a cryptic message to the 26-year-old striker, who has been when the January transfer window opens.
When he was quizzed about Gabriel’s goal celebration, the Swede admitted he was flattered that Gabriel wanted to use his favoured gesture.
He told Viaplay Fotbal: “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.”
His interaction with Gabriel has only fuelled speculation that he could be set to return to England after leaving Coventry City in 2023.
Gabriel imitated Viktor Gyokeres’ goal celebration (Image: Getty)
Gyokeres had found the net an incredible 17 times in his last nine games for club and country before blanking against .
Before the game, Arteta was coy about his interest in the former Brighton striker, but the Spaniard indirectly referred to him as a “great” player.
Asked if Gyokeres summed up the modern centre-forward, Arteta said only: “I understand the question but they have a lot of individual qualities. That’s why they can win games in various ways. And yes in the specific position they have great players.”
Despite scoring 33 goals for club and country already this season, Gyokeres was stifled by ‘s defence, which included centre-back Gabriel.
Viktor Gyokeres blanked in front of goal despite scoring 33 times this season (Image: Getty)
It proved to be a memorable night for Arteta’s side, who are sixth in the standings after winning of their five European matches this season in the newly-revamped Champions League format.
Gabriel Martinelli gave the visitors the lead after only seven minutes before doubled their advantage midway through the first half. Gabriel then rounded off a well-executed set piece to make it 3-0 before the interval.
Goncalo Inacio gave the hosts a glimmer of hope with a header two minutes into the second half with a header of his own. But the game was over as a contest when scored from the penalty spot after Martin Odegaard was fouled inside the penalty area.
And Leandro Trossard headed home on the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was saved to round off a perfect night in Portugal for the north London outfit.