Gabriel’s penalty: Why Champions League final penalty miss was ‘cruel’ for Arsenal

The sight of Gabriel wiping away his tears as the PSG players celebrated with the trophy will remain in the memory. Arsenal Supporters.

In the year One of the first signings since taking over as manager in December 2019, Brazilian Mikel Arteta has been the driving force behind the club’s rise to the top of English football and winning the Premier League title this season.

He started 48. ArsenalHe has 63 appearances in all competitions and contributed nine goals and assists – more than Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.

While rival fans may focus on his Budapest wife, Arsenal In the 96th minute of the game, their fans will remember countless occasions. Newcastle United In September.

“I listened to Dylan Rice talk about how he had run out of words to describe Gabriel because he was so important and so good to me. Arsenal All seasons, and in the last few years as well.” Ex Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Sport.

“So it’s very unfortunate that he’s the one who gave them a penalty in the Champions League final.

But I think everyone gathers around him because Arsenal They wouldn’t have won the Premier League without him. He is priceless and, rightly, in the PFA Player of the Year conversation.

The pressure is always on shooting. You can practice penalties in training, but you can’t really prepare for that moment in the Champions League final. Unfortunately, he experienced what every player fears – he missed the penalty that decided the final.

Former England defender Upson added: “It’s one of those moments that will be remembered for years, a cruel blow to a player who has been a tower of strength. Arsenal.

“Gabriel has given everything to the team. He has shown the mentality and courage to step forward and take responsibility, which you can ask of any player.

“It’s unfortunate for him but he strikes me as someone who will recover quickly and use it as motivation. He still has a big summer with Brazil.”