Arsenal: How Gabriel almost missed out on a Premier League winners’ medal | OneFootball

Brazilian defender needed a gentle reminder

While the Gunners clinched English football’s top prize for the first time in 22 years on Tuesday night, they had to wait until Sunday afternoon to get their hands on the trophy.

It is tradition in England for teams who have been confirmed as champions before the end of the season to be presented with the Premier League trophy at their final home match.

However, Arsenal were denied that chance at home to Burnley on Monday night because the title win was confirmed 24 hours later.

Instead, Martin Odegaard became the first Gunners captain since Patrick Vieira in May 2004 to lift the Premier League trophy following the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Gabriel was the fifth Arsenal player up, after Marli Salmon, Tommy Setford, David Raya and Piero Hincapie.

The Brazilian kissed the Premier League trophy but in all of his excitement, forgot to collect his medal and walked alongside Hincapie briefly before being called back to get his medal.

Unlike Salmon and Setford, Gabriel qualified for a Premier League winner’s medal having made at least five appearances during the season, so it was just a brief lapse in concentration on his behalf.

Gabriel got his medal in the end

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"That was beautiful. Look at the joy of all of the people, the have been waiting for this for so long,” Arteta told Sky Sports afterwards.

“We have had difficult moments along the way but it is all worth it when you see that kind of reaction.

"Now it is time to enjoy and take the manager hat off.

"I think we showed an incredible connection commitment and courage. Everything around us has fuelled our desire to do it.

"We have an incredible ownership. Through the tough times is when you really see people. They have incredible values and know the sport better than any of us.

“They have committed to the project that we have delivered. They have been instrumental."