North London football has always carried a weight that extends well beyond the ninety minutes — a rivalry steeped in history, pride, and identity that amplifies every high and low for supporters on both sides.

With the two clubs having experienced very different fortunes in recent years, neither set of fans is inclined to let a moment of bragging rights pass quietly. Tottenham striker Richarlison was certainly not going to let this one go, wasting no time in reacting to Arsenal’s agonising UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday night.

The Gunners had made a dream start when Kai Havertz broke the deadlock early in the contest. However, PSG levelled through an Ousmane Dembele penalty in the second half, forcing the match into extra time. With neither side able to find a decisive blow across 120 minutes, the European crown was settled from the spot.

PSG held their composure to claim a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory and successfully defend their Champions League title. The pivotal miss came from Gabriel Magalhaes, whose effort sailed over the crossbar when Arsenal needed him most.

Richarlison Twists the Knife After Final Heartbreak

The Brazilian centre-back was not alone in his misery. Eberechi Eze also failed to convert, dragging his penalty wide after a hesitant approach, and those two costly misses proved the difference as Arsenal’s dreams of European glory were extinguished.

Richarlison needed little encouragement to pile on. Shortly after the final whistle, the Spurs forward posted a meme on Instagram depicting a young boy switching from tears to laughter — a clip widely interpreted by fans as a pointed reaction to Arsenal’s defeat.

The dig is the latest instalment in an ongoing online exchange between Richarlison and Gabriel, two Brazilians who have sparred playfully across social media on several occasions. After Tottenham’s pre-season friendly win over Arsenal last year, Richarlison shared a photo clutching his Man of the Match award and tagged Gabriel directly. The Arsenal defender fired back by posting an image of the three Man of the Match awards he had personally collected in games against Spurs.

Earlier this season, following Arsenal’s commanding 4-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gabriel kept the banter going with a picture of himself holding a hand of cards featuring four hearts — a sly nod to the final scoreline.

For the moment at least, Richarlison appears to have come out on top in their social media battle, using Arsenal’s Champions League heartbreak to land a well-timed blow in one of football’s most entertaining ongoing rivalries.