Gabriel vows to take penalties again after Arsenal’s PSG final heartbreak
Gabriel has vowed to take another penalty if Arsenal need him, insisting his missed spot-kick in last season’s Champions League final will not define him.
The Brazilian defender sent his effort over in the shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, with Eberechi Eze also missing as Arsenal lost the European prize and PSG secured a second straight Champions League title. Gabriel says he wants the responsibility again.
“One missed penalty cannot wipe out what I did through the season,” Gabriel said. “It is football. If that moment comes again and I am asked to take one, I will take it.”
From final pain to another league test
- Arsenal’s European campaign was built on a formidable defence, with the side conceding only seven goals before the final defeat to PSG.
- The Gunners still delivered a landmark domestic season, ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title.
- Gabriel received strong backing from supporters after the Champions League shootout. He said the messages from fans had been overwhelmingly positive and stressed that setbacks are part of the game.
- The defender was later involved in another major talking point during Arsenal’s win over Chelsea, escaping a red card after a high challenge on Blues goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
- Wayne Rooney said replays showed Gabriel’s boot striking Martinez in the head while the keeper had the ball, arguing that the Arsenal man was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
- Arsenal now travel to Sunderland on Saturday, taking their perfect Premier League start to the Stadium of Light.
Arteta’s pre-season gamble
Mikel Arteta has been credited with reshaping Arsenal’s mentality, and the manager has revealed he deliberately disrupted routines during pre-season to create what he called “controlled chaos”.
The aim was to test the squad’s ability to handle pressure and uncertainty. Arsenal’s composed start to the new campaign suggests the work has had an immediate effect, with Gabriel set to remain central to another demanding week for the champions.
