Arsenal defender Gabriel appeared to aim a pointed dig at Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana in the tunnel following the Gunners' commanding 4-1 Premier League victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Match Report: Gunners Overpower Injury-Hit Villa
The Brazilian centre-back, Gabriel Magalhães, was not only a key figure in defence but also broke the deadlock in the second half. He rose highest from a corner to beat Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez and nod the ball home, capitalising on the first set-piece the visitors had conceded.
Villa, missing several key players including Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara, Tyrone Mings, and Pau Torres, had defended resolutely in the first period. Their task was made even harder when the influential Amadou Onana was forced off at half-time due to an injury. The Belgian had been excellent in the first half and is a crucial presence for Villa at both defensive and attacking set-pieces.
Arsenal then took full control. Martin Zubimendi doubled the lead shortly after Gabriel's opener, before Leandro Trossard added a third just after the hour mark. Substitute Gabriel Jesus made it 4-0 moments after coming on. Villa's Ollie Watkins scored a late consolation, tapping in from close range after good work from Donyell Malen.
Tunnel Tensions: Celebration Mimicked
The post-match drama unfolded in the tunnel, as captured by Arsenal's media team. In footage of the Gunners' celebrations, Gabriel was seen mimicking Onana's signature celebration. The Villa midfielder's trademark move, which has become familiar during the club's recent 11-match winning run, involves counting to three, putting his hand in his pocket, and zipping it up – symbolising "three points in the bag."
The act is widely interpreted as a retort for Villa's late victory over Arsenal earlier in December, a result which clearly still rankled with the Arsenal squad. Gabriel's imitation served as a stark reminder of the tables being turned in the return fixture.
What This Means for the Premier League Race
This result solidifies Arsenal's position at the Premier League summit, while dealing a significant blow to Aston Villa's own aspirations. The comprehensive nature of the win, coupled with the emotional reaction after the final whistle, underscores the intense rivalry and high stakes at the top of the table. The injury to Onana will also be a major concern for Villa manager Unai Emery as he prepares for upcoming fixtures.
