Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has hit back at transfer target Viktor Gyokeres during the Champions League clash with Sporting CP.
The Gunners were in need of a huge result in Portugal to boost their chances of a top-eight finish in the Champions League and they had a first half to match that.
Just seven minutes into the tie, Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring by latching onto a cross from Jurrien Timber – ending his scoring duck on the road.
Bukayo Saka’s brilliant run and pass found the feet of Kai Havertz, who tapped home a second just moments later.
It was an ideal first 45 minutes for Arsenal, made only better by their work on the stroke of half-time from a trademark corner.
Gabriel Magalhaes made a lung-busting run to head home a third in injury time, making quite a statement while doing so.
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Gabriel Magalhaes copies Viktor Gyokeres goal celebration
After heading home an incredible effort, all the Arsenal players rushed over to Gabriel to enjoy the celebrations.
The Brazilian clearly enjoyed the goal, but took a moment to take a little shot at his centre-forward opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres has been all of the talk in the build-up to the clash, having scored plenty of goals in recent months, while he has been linked with a switch to Arsenal.
Gabriel took aim in his celebration, stealing the trademark of the Swedish striker, clasping his hands together and covering his face like he usually does when scoring.
Given all the talk, it’s a brilliant moment that has potentially embarrassed Gyokeres in a game where he was all of the talk.
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Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba deal with Viktor Gyokeres threat
During the first half, both Gabriel and William Saliba dealt well with Gyokeres and the threat he can potentially bring.
The Swedish striker is great at turning defences and running into spaces in behind, but he was given very few chances to do that.
Gyokeres was often seen picking up the ball in front of the backline, with his back to goal and a lack of combinations to release him in behind.
Being able to keep him out could quieten any talk over the striker, even if the side do eventually look to sign him in the transfer window.
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