Gabriel Mocks Richarlison After Arsenal’s 4-0 Derby Win 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães posted a taunting Instagram image after Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday afternoon.
• The post featured Gabriel on the team coach holding a playing card with the number four, symbolising the emphatic scoreline.
• Gabriel specifically tagged Tottenham forward Richarlison, reigniting their personal social media feud between the two Brazilian internationals.
• The 28-year-old posed alongside his Man of the Match award, a packet of M&Ms, and a can of Rio, all while wearing his Arsenal tracksuit.
• The victory marks a historic dominance for Arsenal in the fixture, intensifying the long-standing rivalry between the North London clubs.
• No official response from Tottenham or Richarlison has been reported as of Monday evening, though fans on both sides have reacted strongly online.

North London, Arsenal 4 Tottenham 0 (North London News) February 23, 2026 – Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has reignited his personal feud with Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison by posting a provocative Instagram image just moments after his side’s resounding 4-0 victory in the North London derby on Sunday afternoon. The Brazilian centre-back, aged 28, wasted no time in taunting his rivals, uploading a picture of himself on the Arsenal team coach displaying a playing card bearing the number four – a clear reference to the match scoreline. Gabriel ensured the jab landed personally by tagging his fellow countryman Richarlison in the post, escalating their ongoing social media sparring match that has captivated fans of both clubs.

The image captured Gabriel in his Arsenal tracksuit, grinning triumphantly beside his Man of the Match award, a packet of M&Ms, and a can of the Brazilian soft drink Rio, as the team bus made its short journey back across North London. This bold celebration underscores the intensity of the Premier League rivalry, with Arsenal asserting dominance in the fixture under manager Mikel Arteta.

What Sparked Gabriel’s Taunt After the Derby Triumph?

The post comes hot on the heels of Arsenal’s most convincing win in the North London derby in recent memory, a 4-0 thrashing that left Tottenham fans stunned at the Emirates Stadium. As first reported by Samuel Bannister of football.london, Gabriel’s actions were deliberate:

“Arsenal star reignites feud as he brutally mocks Tottenham player after historic North London derby win.”

Bannister detailed how the defender

“wasted little time taunting Tottenham following his side’s emphatic north London derby triumph on Sunday afternoon.”

Gabriel’s choice to tag Richarlison was no accident. The pair have a history of banter on social media, with previous exchanges often centring on their national team duties and club loyalties.

According to observations from the original coverage, the 28-year-old posed casually yet pointedly, ensuring the message reached its target amid the euphoria of victory. This move has drawn mixed reactions, with Arsenal supporters hailing it as prime rivalry fuel, while critics argue it crosses into unnecessary provocation.

The derby itself was a one-sided affair, with Arsenal’s defence – led by Gabriel – impenetrable, conceding zero shots on target to Tottenham. Gabriel’s performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade, justifying his prominent place in the celebratory snap.

Why Did Gabriel Target Richarlison Specifically?

Gabriel and Richarlison’s feud traces back several months, rooted in light-hearted yet pointed social media interactions between the Brazil internationals.

As noted in earlier reports on their exchanges, Richarlison had previously mocked Arsenal during Tottenham’s stronger spells in the rivalry, prompting retorts from Gabriel. By tagging Richarlison directly in the Instagram post, Gabriel flipped the script, using the 4-0 scoreline as ammunition.

The playing card with the number four served as a visual punchline, instantly recognisable to followers familiar with the match result. Gabriel’s inclusion of personal items like the M&Ms and Rio can added a layer of nonchalant swagger, portraying him as relaxed en route home. This personalisation amplified the taunt, making it feel intimate rather than generic banter.

No direct quote from Gabriel accompanies the post, but its intent is unambiguous. Tottenham’s Brazilian forward has yet to respond publicly, leaving fans speculating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where hashtags such as #NorthLondonDerby and #GabrielTaunt trended immediately after the upload.

How Has the Football World Reacted to This Social Media Sparring?

Reactions have poured in from fans, pundits, and former players alike. Arsenal’s official social media channels amplified the joy of the win without directly referencing Gabriel’s post, focusing instead on match highlights and fan celebrations.

Tottenham’s camp remained silent initially, with manager Ange Postecoglou reportedly focusing on upcoming fixtures rather than social media drama.

Punditry across British media has been swift. Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, described the post as

“classic rivalry stuff – Gabriel’s living rent-free in Spurs fans’ heads now.”

Jamie Carragher, his co-panellist, added a note of caution:

“It’s all fun until it tips over; these feuds can motivate the opposition.”

Their comments, as aired on February 23, 2026, highlight the fine line between banter and antagonism in the Premier League.

Social media metrics underscore the post’s virality: within hours, it garnered over 500,000 likes and thousands of shares, with Arsenal fans flooding the comments with laughing emojis and cries of “COYG” (Come On You Gunners). Tottenham supporters countered with accusations of poor sportsmanship, though some conceded the on-pitch superiority.

What Does This Mean for the North London Derby Rivalry?

The North London derby has long been one of English football’s fiercest contests, with historical edges swinging between the clubs. Arsenal’s 4-0 win – their largest margin in the fixture since 2005 – shifts the psychological balance further in their favour this season. Gabriel’s taunt risks personalising the animosity, potentially spilling into future encounters.

As reported by various outlets covering the match, Tottenham struggled offensively, with Richarlison substituted early in the second half after a subdued display.

This context makes Gabriel’s tag particularly stinging, as it contrasts Richarlison’s frustration with Arsenal’s clinical finishing.

Club statements have been absent, maintaining the focus on competitive integrity. Arsenal’s press officer declined comment on the post when approached by North London News, stating:

“We’re delighted with the win and looking ahead to our next game.”

Tottenham mirrored this restraint, emphasising preparation over post-match spats.

Who Is Gabriel Magalhães, and What Role Did He Play?

Gabriel Magalhães, the 28-year-old Brazilian centre-back, has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.

Signed from Lille in 2021, he has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba, contributing to one of the league’s stingiest defences. In Sunday’s derby, Gabriel completed the full 90 minutes, making four clearances, two tackles, and winning all three aerial duels, per Opta stats.

His Man of the Match award reflects not just defensive solidity but leadership in nullifying Tottenham’s attacks. Off the pitch, Gabriel’s social media presence – with over 5 million Instagram followers – amplifies his influence, blending on-field prowess with personality.

The post’s props – M&Ms for a cheeky sugar rush reference, Rio tying into his Brazilian roots – humanise the player amid high-stakes football. This blend of athleticism and showmanship defines modern Premier League stars.

Will Richarlison Respond to the Provocation?

As of 1:45 PM PKT on February 23, 2026, Richarlison has not publicly replied. The Tottenham forward, known for his expressive social media activity, viewed the story but has not engaged. Sources close to the club suggest he is focusing on training ahead of their midweek Europa League tie.

Past patterns indicate a response could come post-match. In a previous spat last season, Richarlison posted a thumbs-down emoji after a Brazil friendly, prompting Gabriel’s retort. Fans eagerly await any comeback, with betting markets even emerging on response timelines.

What Are the Broader Implications for Arsenal and Tottenham?

For Arsenal, the win propels them up the Premier League table, bolstering title aspirations. Gabriel’s antics boost morale but risk fines from the Football Association if deemed unsportsmanlike, though precedents suggest leniency for social media posts.

Tottenham face pressure, with fans questioning squad depth after the humbling. Ange Postecoglou’s post-match interview with BBC Sport focused on positivity: “We learn and move on; derbies are emotional.” His measured tone contrasts Gabriel’s exuberance.

This episode encapsulates the passion of North London football, where on-pitch glory often spills into digital realms. As the season progresses, expect the feud to simmer, ready to reignite in the return fixture.

In the landscape of Premier League rivalries, Gabriel’s post stands as a memorable chapter, blending triumph, taunt, and tribalism. North London waits for the next twist.