Arsenal‘s Gabriel Magalhaes has fired back at critics who condemned the Gunners’ exuberant celebrations after their crucial 3-1 win over Liverpool.

Following the match, some pundits suggested Arsenal‘s jubilation, particularly after Leandro Trossard‘s goal, could backfire later in the season. But Gabriel, understandably, takes a different view.

“Celebrations are part of football,” he declared. “If we didn’t have any celebrations, then the game would be no fun. I think, against Liverpool, we played against a huge team in a huge game. We’d worked so hard all week to face them and then we got the result we wanted. So, of course, we are going to be happy that we won.”

He emphasised the significance of the victory, which propelled Arsenal back into the title race just two points behind the leaders. “When you win a big game like this, it’s only natural to celebrate,” he added.

Gabriel swiftly switched gears, highlighting the team’s focus on their upcoming clash against West Ham: “But the next day it was back to the drawing board for us – with the focus on West Ham. That’s going to be another very difficult game, we need the three points just as much.”

The Brazilian defender has been instrumental in Arsenal‘s recent resurgence, with a brace against Crystal Palace. Since joining in 2020, he’s netted 14 Premier League goals, surpassing other central defenders in that period.

“I was very happy to score those two – and help the team at the time,” he reflects. “We work on these set-pieces in training because we know they’re so crucial.”

Setting himself targets, he admits: “Of course, every season I have my own goal targets. We’re now past the halfway mark, I have three, but maybe I should have had a few more.”

When asked about his defensive idols, Gabriel names two legendary central defenders known for their aerial prowess: “The ones from my era – players such as Sergio Ramos and Thiago Silva. The way they attack the ball at set-pieces and score is so good – that’s what I want to emulate.”