Sporting Club forward Viktor GyΓΆkeres has finally reacted to Arsenal defender Gabriel βstealingβ his celebration.
GyΓΆkeres, 26, has been one of Europeβs standout players this season, scoring 24 goals in 20 games. However, the Swedish forward was unable to find the net on Tuesday as Arsenal secured a dominant 5-1 victory in Lisbon.
Gabriel scored Arsenalβs third goal in first-half stoppage time, meeting Declan Riceβs corner with a perfectly timed run. The Brazilian then mimicked GyΓΆkeresβ signature celebration, interlocking his hands in front of his face, a gesture the Sporting striker later commented on with humor, saying Gabriel was welcome to βsteal itβ if he couldnβt create his own.
The celebration was reportedly a response to Pedro Goncalves imitating Granit Xhakaβs celebration during Sportingβs Europa League triumph over Arsenal in March 2023.
Despite the loss, GyΓΆkeres remains a player in high demand, with top clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona reportedly scouting him during the match.
Arsenalβs win moved them to seventh place in the Champions League group stage standings. However, concerns were raised about Gabrielβs fitness, with Mikel Arteta revealing post-match that the defender experienced discomfort, though the exact nature of the issue remains unclear. Arteta also praised his teamβs performance, highlighting their efficiency and growth on the European stage.