Gabriel explains Arsenal celebration after North London Derby win over Tottenham
Gabriel scored the only goal in the North London Derby after Arsenal got off to a slow start against Mikel Arteta'.
The absence of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice proved to be key for Mikel Arteta's side. Odegaard suffered a suspected ankle injury during the international break while on duty with Norway.
Rice, meanwhile, was suspended following his dismissal at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. As a result, Jorginho played alongside Thomas Partey with Kai Havertz in the attacking midfield role.
Gabriel's second half header was enough for Arsenal to claim their third win in the Premier League and move one point clear of Liverpool. The Brazilian defender celebrated in an unusual way, copying Memphis Depay's iconic goal celebration.
It didn't go unnoticed by the Dutch forward, who shared Gabriel's celebration on his Instagram stories, and was later reposted by the Arsenal star.
Gabriel, a known Corinthians supporter, explained the tribute to Depay. "Of course that was a moment [the goal] in which I was very happy and my celebration was in honour to Memphis," he explained to ESPN (via Gazeta Esportiva).
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"I'm very happy that he's at Corinthians so I copied his celebration. I haven't met him but I am happy to see him at Corinthians."
Meanwhile, the Gunners boss Arteta was pleased to come away with an important win. He said: "I prepared for Tottenham for five days, then in one moment I lost one player and in another I lost another. I didn't sleep much!
"There were no excuses, no crying. The players have thick skin. They love the game. Sometimes to win you have to do the ugly things and they love to do that. I loved it, because day after day the players are hungrier and hungrier."
The three points were crucial for the Gunners ahead of their trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City next Sunday (September 22, 4:30pm).