Arsenal star Bukayo Saka aims clear Viktor Gyokeres message with unseen gesture vs Sporting

Gabriel Magalhaes was not the only Arsenal player to take joy in copying Viktor Gyokeres' now-signature goal celebration after scoring against Sporting CP on Tuesday night. The Brazilian added a third for his side before half-time in a crushing 5-1 win.

Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz had given a dominant Arsenal an already comfortable lead heading into the break only for Gabriel to once again time his back post run to perfection, nodding in powerfully to take the game away from the hosts. Saka netted a fourth from the spot following a brief Sporting fightback.

Leandro Trossard finished off a tremendous night as he scored from a rebound, sealing Arsenal's biggest Champions League victory for over 20 years. Such was the one-sidedness of the game, Mikel Arteta's players even felt able to take a sly dig at their opponents mid-match.

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Running over to the side of the pitch to celebrate Gabriel's header, Saka joined in with the celebration which has now been coined by Gyokeres. Gabriel went first, putting his hands together over his face and locking his fingers.

Gyokeres himself usually leaves his eyes uncovered but Gabriel went a step further. Saka, running up behind his teammate, placed both hands over the top half of his face as he smiled and shouted in front of the Sporting fans.

Speaking after the game, Gyokeres was asked about Gabriel. "He's welcome to steal it if he can't create his own celebration," the in-form Swedish striker said. "I didn't know he did that, but it's fun that he likes my celebration."

It comes two years after Arsenal were knocked out of the Europa League by Sporting, who mocked the celebration of Granit Xhaka while playing at the Emirates Stadium. Ruben Amorim was in charge that day but Gyokeres was not involved as he was still at Coventry City.

Since then, he has attracted the attention of some of Europes biggest clubs, including Arsenal, for his goalscoring exploits. The 26-year-old already has 30 in all competitions this season and is on the radar of many ahead of the summer 2025 transfer window. He also appeares to be well known by Saka and Gabriel, at least.