'Cringe FC': Arsenal's gesture before victory over Tottenham left talkSPORT presenter baffled

By premiernews On Jan 16, 2025

talkSPORT presenter Jason Cundy was left quite taken aback by Arsenal's tribute to striker Gabriel Jesus before the win over Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta's team closed the gap on Liverpool, leader of the Premier League, with a 2-1 win over their north London rivals at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal claimed bragging rights in north London without JesusCredit: Getty

Although he was there in spirit with his teammates paying tribute before the game.Credit: Getty

A deflected shot from Heung-min Son gave Spurs the lead against the run of play, but two Arsenal goals in the space of four first-half minutes turned the derby on its head.

The equalizer came from a corner when Gabriel headed Declan Rice's deep cross into Dominic Solanke before Leandro Trossard fired the ball past Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky with his left foot.

A player who did not participate in the victory was Jesús, who is out for the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

When the two teams took the field before the game, the Arsenal The players showed their support for the Brazilian by wearing t-shirts with his name and number, with the message: “Stay strong Gabby.”

READ MORE ABOUT ARSENAL V SPURS

Many would consider it a great display of team spirit from the Gunners, but the gesture left former Chelsea player Cundy feeling quite embarrassed.

Cundy felt it was not necessary, citing how West Ham players did not wear shirts for Michail Antonio after his serious car accident in December, with much more serious injuries.

“I want the Gooners to think about this too. Before the game, all the Arsenal players came out with a shirt. With the name Gabriel Jesus on the top, the number 9,” Cundy said on The Sports Bar.

“And on the back it said, 'Stay strong, Gabby.' What's that all about? Honestly, Cringe FC, y'all.

“Michail Antonio almost died in a car accident… didn't players go out with things like that on their backs?

“I felt a little embarrassing.”

This challenge from Jesús to Bruno Fernandes has ended the Arsenal star's seasonCredit: Getty

Son put Spurs ahead in the 25th minute when his volley from the edge of the area deflected off David Raya.Credit: Getty

But Arsenal did what they do best: score on a set piece to equalizeCredit: Getty

And this Trossard goal was the winner in the derbyCredit: Getty

The Gunners have earned something of a reputation for disgraceful behavior among rival fans, singing chants over set-pieces and regularly celebrating the awarding of throw-ins.

Arsenal doubled down on Jesus' gesture after the match, with manager Mikel Arteta dedicating the victory to the former Manchester City star.

“He has a very special character,” Arteta said of Jesus. “He suffered a lot the previous year with injuries and when he was getting back to his best level, that one hit him.

“So yeah, we wanted to win for him and we hope he appreciates it.”

Midfielder Declan Rice added: “It was terrible, honestly. We feel for him because I can honestly say that this kid, the way he worked in training and how much football means to him, it was a real kick in the teeth for all of us”. .

“But look, it is what it is. We have to move on.”

“We'll be with him. You see the jerseys we wore for him tonight.

“He will be back soon to support us and I think the guys who are now leading the way in that department know that we have to continue to deliver and that every player has to contribute in that area.”

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