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The sight of Gabriel wiping away tears as PSG’s players celebrated with the trophy will be one that lingers long in the memory of Arsenal<\/a> supporters.<\/p>\n The Brazilian, one of Mikel Arteta’s first signings after taking charge in December 2019, has been a driving force behind the club’s rise back to the summit of English football and their Premier League title triumph this season.<\/p>\n He started 48 of Arsenal<\/a>‘s 63 matches across all competitions and contributed nine goals and assists – more than both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.<\/p>\n While rival fans may focus on his miss in Budapest, Arsenal<\/a> supporters will remember the countless occasions he delivered for his side, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Newcastle United<\/a> in September.<\/p>\n “I’ve just listened to Declan Rice talking about how he has run out of words to describe Gabriel because he has been so important and so good for Arsenal<\/a> all season, and over the past few years as well,” former Manchester City<\/a> defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n “So for him to be the one who misses the penalty that costs them the Champions League final is heartbreaking.<\/p>\n “But I think everyone will rally around him because Arsenal<\/a> would not have won the Premier League without him. He has been invaluable and, quite rightly, is in the conversation for PFA Player of the Year.<\/p>\n “The pressure is always there in a shootout. You can practice penalties in training, but in a Champions League final you can never truly prepare for that moment. Unfortunately, he has experienced what every player dreads – missing the penalty that decides a final.”<\/p>\n Former England defender Upson added: “It’s one of those moments that will be remembered for years, a cruel blow for a player who has been a tower of strength for Arsenal<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Gabriel gave everything for his team. He showed the mentality and courage to step forward and take responsibility, which is all you can ask of any player.<\/p>\n “It is desperately sad for him, but he strikes me as someone who will recover quickly and use it as motivation. He still has a huge summer ahead with Brazil.”<\/p>\n