Arsenal fans believe Gabriel produced a set-piece signal in the lead up to Bukayo Saka‘s goal against PSG.
The Gunners saw off their French opponents at the Emirates to register their first win in the Champions League this season. Kai Havertz put the hosts ahead before Saka’s delivery from a wide free-kick went all the way in, evading Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal have become renowned for their set piece quality and in the build up to Saka’s delivery-come-shot their centre-half was seen making a hand gesture, which seemed to imply that their forward was going to fire in a low cross, rather than loft one in
One supporter clocked the Brazilian’s antics and said on social media: “Gabriel was definitely telling the players this one is coming
Another fan commented: “Apparently on French TV, they have a reporter on the ground, they said [set-piece coach Nicolas] Jover tells [David] Raya the play/instructions and then Raya relays it to the players. So I think Gabriel’s signal was to Raya confirming the call.”
Saka himself though, who has underlined his desire to take the next step with Arsenal and deliver silverware, remained coy when quizzed on their set piece routines and success as he was quizzed at full-time.
He said on Amazon Prime: “I don’t want to give you too much information, but we do work a lot, most days at training we do a lot of set pieces. So for me and the boys it’s not a coincidence that we’re scoring every game.”
Bukayo Saka’s strike doubled Arsenal’s lead (
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC)
Arsenal have enjoyed set piece success numerous times this season, notably at Tottenham and then at Manchester City as they continue to remain unbeaten at this early stage. Arteta was buoyed by the fact that his players feel empowered by the ideas being put in place at the Emirates.
He said: The players feel that we are in the right direction, and they believe in what we do. It’s a great sign, it’s a night to be really happy because we played one of the best teams in the world. To be able to perform and win in the way we did, it’s a really good sign for the team.”
