RICHARLISON RESPONSE TO GABRIEL’S INSTAGRAM POST HAS BEEN THE MOST TALKED ABOUT IN NORTH LONDON THE DERBY CONTINUES

North London hasn’t calmed down since Arsenal dismantled Tottenham 4–1 in one of the most one-sided derbies in recent memory. Yet, while the goals, the atmosphere, and Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick dominated the immediate headlines, it is the post-match social-media warfare that has kept the rivalry burning long after the final whistle. At the centre of it all stands Gabriel Magalhães and Richarlison — two Brazilians who have turned their club rivalry into one of football’s most entertaining subplots.

Arsenal’s win was emphatic, almost symbolic. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring, but it was Eberechi Eze who stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick, scoring in the 41st, 46th and 76th minute to send the Emirates into delirium. Tottenham’s only moment of joy came through Richarlison, who executed a sublime 35-yard lob over David Raya — a goal worthy of a better result, even if it ended up as nothing more than a consolation. The victory sent Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League, a statement result that highlighted the gulf in quality on the day.

But just when the derby drama appeared to be settling, Gabriel logged onto Instagram — and North London exploded all over again.

The Arsenal defender, sidelined through injury, wasn’t on the pitch, but he made sure everyone knew where he stood. He posted a photo wearing Eberechi Eze’s shirt, proudly holding Eze’s match ball and Player of the Match trophy… while also displaying his own October Player of the Month award in the background. If the message wasn’t clear enough, he cemented it by tagging Richarlison in the post — accompanied by a sighing emoji and a shrug, the footballing equivalent of “little bro, what can you do?”

It was bold. It was cheeky. It was absolutely designed to sting.

The online reaction was immediate. Arsenal fans flooded the comments with laughter, mockery, chest-thumping, and more than a few clips of Gabriel dominating Richarlison in previous derbies. Tottenham fans, meanwhile, either pleaded for the feud to end or fired back with Richarlison’s wonder goal. But one thing was certain: everyone was talking about Gabriel’s post.

Richarlison’s response — or rather, the absence of one — only added fuel. He didn’t fire back with a public post, didn’t type out a comeback, didn’t share a trolling Story. Instead, he went completely quiet, prompting fans to debate whether he was choosing the high road or simply too stunned to reply. The silence became a story of its own. For many, it suggested Gabriel’s message had landed exactly where it was aimed.

What makes this moment even juicier is the history behind it. This is not their first digital clash. Months ago, after Spurs beat Arsenal in a pre-season friendly, Richarlison took a swipe by tagging Gabriel in his celebratory post. Gabriel responded by reposting photos of his three derby Player of the Match awards — a reminder of who truly dominates when the rivalry is real. Their banter has continued through internationals, training camps, and now the Premier League season.

And as if the feud needed any more layers, William Saliba decided to join the fun. The French defender posted images of himself physically “handling” Richarlison during the match — wrestling him off the ball, closing him down, marking him aggressively. Gabriel later reposted those images too, doubling down on the message: Arsenal own this fixture right now.

For Arsenal fans, this entire exchange feels like an extension of the match itself. They didn’t just win on the pitch; they won off it. Eze delivered the performance of a superstar, Arteta delivered a tactical masterclass, and then Gabriel delivered a social-media knockout punch. Tottenham, on the other hand, were left clinging to Richarlison’s goal and waiting for a response from their forward that never came.

But for the Premier League neutrals — and especially for social-media football culture — moments like this are pure gold. The modern rivalry doesn’t stop when players leave the pitch. It continues in Stories, comments, memes, reposts, tags, and emojis. And in this new age, Gabriel is as dangerous online as he is in defence.

The match may be over, but the derby isn’t. Not when posts like this keep circulating, going viral, sparking debates, and reminding everyone that in North London, pride is a year-round battle. The next meeting between these two sides already had anticipation — now, it has narrative, tension, and a feud that refuses to die.

One thing is sure: the Premier League can produce brilliant football — but it produces even better drama.