Gabriel Magalhaes sends another message to Viktor Gyokeres during West Ham vs Arsenal

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Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes was under the spotlight yet again when he featured against West Ham on Saturday evening.

The Brazilian centre-back was uncertain to start, with Gabriel picking up an injury issue against Sporting CP in midweek.

He couldn’t continue during the game, having to be substituted off and replaced, with Mikel Arteta putting doubt over his availability.

Gabriel did start though – his 41st consecutive game in the Premier League – coming as a huge relief to fans.

In doing so, he sent a clear message to Viktor Gyokeres, who he had a battle with in midweek.

• READ MORE: Why Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino missed Arsenal’s clash with West Ham

Gabriel Magalhaes copies Viktor Gyokeres celebration again

In starting against West Ham, Gabriel showed a threat from set-pieces, winning a header from the first corner.

That effort went beyond Lukasz Fabianski in the net and gave Arsenal the lead, coming as a huge boost just ten minutes in.

The centre-back celebrated in front of the supporters and whipped out Gyokeres’ celebration by covering his face with clasped hands.

Gabriel copied Gyokeres’ celebration when he scored against Sporting in midweek, something that angered the forward.

It’s unclear what he may think of the Brazilian taking it from him once again, but it’s a clear message to the striker that it may well be his celebration now.

Whether that may put Gyokeres off a transfer to Arsenal remains to be seen, though there’s a big January window ahead.

• READ MORE: Arsenal now want wonderkid transfer for star Jude Bellingham called a ‘top talent’

Gabriel Magalhaes goal stats for Arsenal

If there’s one thing Arsenal have dramatically improved upon in recent seasons, it’s their ability to score from set-pieces.

Gabriel has become the main threat as of late, continually rising highest to nod home for the Gunners from all kinds of set-pieces.

The 26-year-old is now closing in on 20 goals for the Gunners, something that may have been unthinkable when he joined the club.

His tally for the season now sits at three in the league and four in all competitions, with it only being November.

A target of double figures may not be unreasonable for the defender to hit, which would be some achievement from centre-back.

That could be the difference between winning the Premier League or not, with those fine margins working in the side’s favour.