Arsenal defender Gabriel has revealed that memories of Aston Villa's exuberant celebrations last month provided the perfect motivation for the Gunners' emphatic 4-1 Premier League victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Revenge Served at the Emirates
The Brazilian centre-back, who marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal, admitted the team were "spurred on" by the events at Villa Park on December 6th. On that occasion, a last-gasp winner from Emi Buendia sparked wild scenes from the Villa players both on the pitch and, notably, in the tunnel, which left a lasting impression on Mikel Arteta's squad.
"Yes, like I told you, we'll get the three points, no? Those sort of things spur you on," Gabriel stated after the comprehensive win. "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."
Mimicking Onana's 'Pocket' Celebration
The defender also engaged in some light-hearted post-match banter, directly targeting Villa midfielder Amadou Onana. The Belgian international has become known for his trademark celebration, where he places his hand inside his coat to signify putting a win in his pocket.
Gabriel could not resist poking fun, mimicking the gesture on Arsenal's official social media channels by putting his hand in his pocket and then zipping it up. "It was not to get them back or to get Onana back," Gabriel clarified. "I know he's a good guy. So, yes, no fighting, nothing. Just something to celebrate."
The match itself was a statement performance from the league leaders. The 4-1 victory not only avenged the earlier defeat but also had significant implications for the title race. It pushed Arsenal six points clear of Aston Villa and opened a five-point gap over Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Post-Match Tensions and Title Implications
The fallout from the match extended beyond the final whistle. Villa manager Unai Emery headed straight down the tunnel at full-time, snubbing the customary handshake with opposite number Mikel Arteta. Furthermore, Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez had to be restrained by club staff after appearing to be taunted by Arsenal supporters as he left the pitch.
For Arsenal, the result was a powerful response to a devastating loss. The December defeat, sealed by Buendia's injury-time strike, had seen Gunners players sink to the turf in despair while Villa's bench erupted in joy. That contrast clearly fuelled the home side's desire for redemption in the rematch.
With this crucial win, Arsenal have firmly reasserted their authority at the Premier League summit as the calendar turns to 2026. The psychological edge gained from such a dominant performance against a direct rival, coupled with the points advantage, marks a significant moment in their championship pursuit.
