Gabriel's close-range finish gave the visitors a victory over the Blues and put them back at the top of the league.
Gabriel pounced to steer the ball over the line in the 63rd minute after the hosts failed to deal with a corner from the right wing.
They had the best chances when it was goalless, but Gabriel Martinelli curled a shot over the bar and Gabriel Jesus failed to hit the target with a diving headed ball.
The former captain of the club failed to make an impact against his old team and now they are without a win.
The win by Erling Haaland's penalty in the fifth minute of injury time gave Manchester City a 2-1 win over Cottagers and gave them a two point lead over their rivals.
This was a chance to show their title credentials as they look to become English champions for the 14th time - but the first since 2003-04 when their "Invincibles" went through an entire league campaign without losing.
In their first season without a top-four finish in three years, the north London club have beaten two of their rivals at home.
Gabriel went wide in the first two minutes.
Jesus had an effort superbly blocked by his Brazil team-mate Thiago Silva after Ben White pulled a shot wide from 15 yards.
Jesus could not hit the target from eight yards when he was free at the back post and found by Martinelli.
Jesus was involved in the build up to the goal as he gained possession from Silva and shot at goal, with the ball going behind for a corner.
Gabriel volleyed the ball in from a couple of yards out after the ball was swung in by England international Saka for a huge win for the visitors.
In his first appearance against his former team, the Gabon forward only touched the ball eight times.
In four years with the club, he scored 92 goals in 163 appearances, including the two goals in the FA Cup final against the Blues.
After being stripped of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta, he left for Barcelona on a free transfer and then joined the Blues.
He would have been eager to impress, but only touched the ball four times in the first half, as he was held in check by Gabriel and William.
He picked up the game's first yellow card for a sliding challenge on right-back White in the first half.
After adding four touches of the ball, he was taken off after 63 minutes of playing.
His replacement didn't have a shot on target on a disappointing day for the Blues.
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