Gabriel reveals motivation for Aston Villa triumph as star mocked in tunnel celebrations

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Gunners defender Gabriel admits Arsenal were “spurred on” by Aston Villa ’s celebrations from their previous clash. Gabriel says he also could not resist poking “fun" at Villa midfielder Amadou Onana’s own trademark ‘pocket’ celebration.

Onana has made a habit of putting his hand in his coat in front of the TV cameras to signify putting another win in his pocket. Gabriel mimicked Onana by copying his celebration by putting his hand in his coat pocket before zipping it up on video footage on Arsenal ’s own social media channels.

Villa celebrated wildly after beating Arsenal at Villa Park on December 6 both on the pitch and down the tunnel and it was clear that added some extra spice to their rematch at the Emirates.

It was clear Arsenal were fired up for revenge and Gabriel said: “Yes, like I told you, we'll get the three points, no? Those sort of things spur you on. 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.

“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.”

Arsenal were left devastated by their defeat at Villa Park as Emi Buendia grabbed an injury time winner which led to wild celebrations from the players on the pitch while Gunners stars sank to the floor in desperation.

The Villa bench also celebrated wildly and the celebrations which then followed down the tunnel clearly struck a chord with the Arsenal players.

Onana is one of the Premier League ’s biggest characters and has a remarkable connection with the Villa fans as he milks every big celebration with the supporters.

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Villa boss Unai Emery also went straight down the tunnel and did not shake hands with opposite number Mikel Arteta after Arsenal’s 4-1 win on Tuesday night.

Villa keeper Emi Martinez also had to be restrained by the club's backroom staff after appearing to be taunted by Arsenal fans as he went down the tunnel.

Arsenal’s win puts them five points clear of Manchester City who have a game in hand as they must go to Sunderland on New Year ’s Day. It also pushed them six points clear of Aston Villa in the title race as Arsenal have reopened a lead at the top.

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