Gabriel Magalhaes mocking Aston Villa star in tunnel speaks volumes | Football | Sport
Arsenal defender Gabriel has confessed that the Gunners were “spurred on” by Aston Villa’s exuberant celebrations from their previous encounter. Gabriel also admitted to playfully mimicking Villa midfielder Amadou Onana’s signature ‘pocket’ celebration, a gesture he often uses in front of TV cameras to symbolise securing another victory.
In a cheeky response, Gabriel replicated Onana’s move by slipping his hand into his coat pocket and zipping it up, as seen in video footage shared on Arsenal‘s social media platforms. The memory of Villa’s wild celebrations following their victory over Arsenal at Villa Park on December 6, both on the pitch and down the tunnel, clearly added an extra layer of intensity to their rematch at the Emirates.
It was evident that Arsenal were eager for retribution, with Gabriel confirming: “Yes, like I told you, we’ll get the three points, no?
“Those sort of things spur you on. It’s good fun. It’s fun for them, it’s fun for us as well. Like I said, we’ll get the three points.
“It was not to get them back or to get Onana back. I know he’s a good guy. So, yes, no fighting, nothing. Just something to celebrate.”
The defeat at Villa Park had been a bitter pill for Arsenal to swallow, with Emi Buendia scoring a last-minute winner that sparked jubilant celebrations among the Villa players on the pitch, while the Gunners could only watch in despair.
The Villa bench’s ecstatic reactions and the subsequent celebrations down the tunnel evidently left a lasting impression on the Arsenal squad.
Onana, one of the Premier League’s most charismatic figures, shares a remarkable bond with Aston Villa fans, often seen revelling in grand celebrations with them.
Following Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Villa on Tuesday night, Villa manager Unai Emery made a beeline for the tunnel, snubbing the customary handshake with his counterpart, Mikel Arteta.
Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also had to be held back by the club’s staff after seemingly being provoked by Arsenal supporters as he headed towards the tunnel.
The win for Arsenal has given them a five-point lead over Manchester City, who still have a game in hand and are set to face Sunderland on New Year’s Day.
This victory also extends their lead over Aston Villa in the title race to six points, re-establishing Arsenal’s dominance at the top.
