Viktor Gyokeres has said that Gabriel Magalhaes is “welcome to steal” his signature celebration after the Arsenal defender appeared to poke fun at the Sporting striker.
The Brazilian centre-back scored in first-half stoppage time to help Mikel Arteta’s side to a comprehensive 5-1 Champions League win in Lisbon.
He and defensive partner William Saliba also succeeded in nullifying free-scoring forward Gyokeres, who has scored 24 times already this year to establish himself as one of Europe’s hottest striking properties.
After his goal, Gabriel mimicked Gyokeres’s celebration, locking his fingers together and pulling his hands over his face.
And the Swedish striker appeared to indicate a belief that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after the defeat.
“He’s welcome to steal it if he can’t create his own celebration!” Gyokeres said to Viaplay of Gabriel’s gesture. ““I didn’t know he did that, but it’s fun he likes my celebration.”
Victory in Portugal leaves Arsenal level with their opponents on ten points from five Champions League games, with both in solid shape to progresss from the revamped league phase of the competition.
Arteta was delighted by his team’s performance.
“To play with the level, the determination, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased,” said Arteta.
“The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I’m watching them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a big performance, a big win and we are really happy.
“The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That’s the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief.”
