Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has revealed that memories of Aston Villa's wild celebrations earlier in the season fuelled his side's dominant 4-1 victory on Tuesday night – and inspired his own playful mockery of Villa midfielder Amadou Onana at full-time.
Revenge Served as Gunners Go Five Points Clear
The high-stakes Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the table with a commanding performance. The match was a stark reversal of the sides' meeting just over three weeks prior, when a jubilant Villa had landed a significant blow in the title race.
After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken in the 48th minute by Gabriel himself, who powered a header past Emiliano Martinez from a Bukayo Saka corner. The floodgates opened soon after, with Martin Zubimendi adding a second just four minutes later. Further superb finishes from Leandro Trossard and substitute Gabriel Jesus sealed a statement win, with Ollie Watkins' late strike a mere consolation for the visitors.
The Celebration That Sparked a Reaction
Following the final whistle, Gabriel was seen mimicking Onana's signature celebration, where the Belgian gestures zipping three points into his pocket. The Arsenal centre-back explained his actions in a post-match interview, insisting it was all in good fun but driven by a desire for retribution.
"Yes, like I told you, we'll get the three points, no? Those sort of things spur you on," Gabriel stated. "It's good fun. It's fun for them, it's fun for us as well... It was not to get them back or to get Onana back. I know he's a good guy. So, yes, no fighting, nothing. Just something to celebrate."
The result leaves Unai Emery's Villa six points behind Arsenal after 19 games, with second-placed Manchester City still to play on New Year's Day.
Emery's Handshake Snub and Post-Match Reflection
The defeat ended Villa's impressive 11-match winning streak, and a visibly disappointed Unai Emery also addressed why he did not share a post-match handshake with his opposite number, Mikel Arteta.
"Yes, but it's simple," the Villa boss explained. "My routine is quick, shake hands and go... I was waiting, I was waiting. Of course, he was happy and he was with his coaches and I decided to go inside. But for me, no problem."
Despite the heavy loss, Emery expressed pride in his team's season so far, highlighting their achievement of 39 points. He pointed to Onana's injury during the match as a key moment that disrupted Villa's structure in midfield after conceding the first goal.
Arsenal's emphatic victory sends a powerful message in the title race, while Villa must regroup quickly before hosting Nottingham Forest in their next fixture.
