Tag Archives: GABRIEL

I’ve Taken Over From Suarez As Premier League Villain – Costa

Posted on by
2

The Spain international feels he has assumed the mantle of the league’s bad guy from the now Barcelona star, voicing concerns over his treatment

Chelsea striker Diego Costa believes he is unfairly treated by some in England and has now taken over the role of Premier League villain from Luis Suarez.

Costa has been the centre of controversy on a number of occasions during his time in London – most recently earning a three-match ban for his clash with Laurent Koscielny in last month’s derby with Arsenal.

The 27-year-old also tangled with Gabriel, attracting criticism from Arsene Wenger and sections of the media, and Costa has now echoed complaints made by ex-Liverpool man Suarez before his move to Spain.

“I think Luis Suarez left this country because of how he was treated and made out to be the bad guy,” he told the London Evening Standard.

“Do I feel like I have taken his place? That is crystal clear. It is obvious that there are people after me. If you do something wrong and it makes the papers, then okay, that’s fair.

“But when people are after you all of the time, when you’re always the headline that’s not fair. I hope they’re not after me. I hope it’s not the case. I hope it’s something that’s just in my head.”

Costa’s behaviour against Arsenal was branded “unacceptable” by Wenger prior to his ban, with the Brazil-born frontman always ready to make his presence felt among opposition defenders.

“The critics have to carry on what they do but they should always be truthful,” he continued.

“If I do something wrong, I am the first one to accept the criticism, I have no problem with that.

“For example, my behaviour in the game against Arsenal [where he earned his ban for raising his hands towards Koscielny] was not the best. I know that, but it was not just me. There was someone else involved.

“Many, many times I get kicked, I get elbowed – that’s part of football. It happens on the pitch but I never complain. Football is a contact sport and people have to understand they can’t change it into theatre.

“Football has always been a contact sport, these things have always happened. But we are professionals and what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. So after the game it’s all good.

“But if I keep getting banned for three games, it’s going to be hard to maintain my level.”

Gabriel Handed One-Match Suspension

Posted on by
Reply

The centre-back tussled with Diego Costa during the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge but had his red card rescinded, though he has been banned for improper conduct

Arsenal defender Gabriel has been handed a one-match suspension by the Football Association for improper conduct following his dismissal against Chelsea on Saturday.

The centre-back was shown a red card after clashing with Diego Costa, with the Gunners star kicking out at the Spain international following a penalty box tussle.

Arsenal subsequently appealed the sending off, with the FA upholding the appeal, while Costa was slapped with a three-match suspension of his own.

Gabriel, though, has not escaped punishment and will miss the clash against Leicester after admitting to his charge, while he has also been fined £10,000.

“Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Arsenal defender Gabriel will serve a one-match suspension with immediate effect after he admitted an FA charge of improper conduct,” read a statement on the FA’s site.

“The charge relates to Gabriel’s behaviour following his dismissal in or around the 45th minute of the game against Chelsea on Saturday [19 September 2015].

“The player, who requested a personal hearing, was also fined £10,000 and warned as to his future conduct.”

Zouma Sorry For Costa ‘Cheat’ Remark

Posted on by
1

The defender says he didn’t mean to label his team-mate a “cheat” after attempting to defend him over his role in Gabriel’s red card in Chelsea’s victory over Arsenal on Saturday

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has apologised for calling Diego Costa a “cheat” while trying to defend him in an interview on Monday.

Costa was roundly criticised for his part in Gabriel’s red card as the Blues beat Arsenal 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and has repeatedly been singled out for his aggressive behaviour during his time in both La Liga and the Premier League.

But Zouma, who scored the opening goal against the Gunners, insisted he and the rest of his team-mates were happy with the striker’s confrontational style.

Asked whether he was shocked by Costa’s actions by beIN Sport, he replied: “No, we’re not surprised because we know Diego.

“Everyone knows Diego and this guy likes to cheat a lot and put the opponent out of his game.

“That happened in the game but he’s a really nice guy. We’re proud to have him, like the other players, and we’re happy to win this game.”

However, in a message later posted on Twitter, Zouman apologised for his use of the word “cheat” but reiterated his support for Costa.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Out for Three Weeks With Injury

Posted on by
1

Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista if set for two to three weeks spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

The Brazilian centre-back picked up the injury during the first half of his side’s 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on Wednesday night.

Gabriel will therefore miss Monday night’s FA Cup sixth round game at Manchester United.

“Gabriel has a little hamstring injury and will be out for two to three weeks. He will not be available for the weekend or West Ham or Monaco,” Wenger said in a news conference at the club’s Conley facility on Friday.

Gabriel Paulista Out for Three Weeks With Hamstring Injury. Image: Getty.

Wenger added that “everybody else will be available” except Nacho Monreal who will have a late fitness test.

The better news for Arsenal fans on the goalkeeping front pertains to the return of Wojciech Szczesny, who is in contention for the game at Old Trafford.

“He (Szczesny) has a test today, Wenger said. “If he gets through that test he will play on Monday night.

“Wojciech is used to playing in big games and he’ll take that as a big challenge to show his quality. He works very hard in training.”

The last (Premier League) meeting between both sides in November ended 2-1 in favour of the Red Devils thanks to Kieran Gibbs’ own-goal and Wayne Rooney’s second-half strike.