Gabriel Magalhaes has shed light on his now well-known ‘pocket’ celebration following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on June 3. The gesture, which went viral as a cheeky troll directed at Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, was captured in a tunnel video later revealed in the aftermath of the Premier League clash.
Arsenal secured the win with goals from William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Bukayo Saka. The match was notable not only for the scoreline but also for the off-pitch moment that sparked widespread attention. After the final whistle, Magalhaes mimicked placing something in his pocket — a move fans quickly linked to previous exchanges with Onana during the game.
In an official statement, Magalhaes explained that the celebration was a playful response to a series of on-field clashes with Onana. “It was all in good spirit,” he said. “The pocket gesture was a way to have a little fun after a hard-fought match. There’s no bad blood.”
The Brazilian defender’s action happened moments after the final whistle as both teams headed through the tunnel. The video revealed Magalhaes’s gesture clearly, triggering a wave of reactions from supporters of both clubs on social media.
Arsenal’s win marked an important step in their Premier League campaign, but it was Magalhaes’s celebratory nod to Onana that grabbed headlines beyond the pitch. The defender’s explanation aimed to put to rest any concerns about tension, emphasizing the competitive yet respectful nature of the Premier League rivalry.
The match itself saw Villa struggle to contain Arsenal’s attacking threats but did manage a consolation goal late on. Still, Arsenal held firm, moving up the table with this victory.
Magalhaes’s pocket celebration now stands as a memorable, characterful moment from a fiercely contested game, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the intense atmosphere on the field.
