Bruno Guimaraes has admitted the Arsenal players were “complaining about themselves” following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
Mikel Arteta handed the Brazilian his first Premier League start since leaving Newcastle United. However, the move did not go to plan, with Guimaraes singled out for criticism at the full-time whistle.
He was hooked on the hour mark after a sloppy performance alongside Declan Rice in midfield. As montages of his display went viral on social media, Guimaraes gained little sympathy from Newcastle fans.
Bruno Guimaraes mixed emotions
The 28-year-old left St James’ Park last month for £75million - a move Toon chiefs insist they did not anticipate coming. Guimaraes - as club captain - had been the face of the Saudi-backed era on Tyneside until that point.
Opinions on Guimaraes are mixed and not as clear-cut as the vitriol shown towards Alexander Isak on the opening day of the season. Ultimately, the former Newcastle skipper will learn how much of his legacy remains intact when he returns to St James’ Park in November.
‘A day to forget’ - Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes fronted up to the media following the defeat to let slip how Arsenal players reacted in the dressing room. He told the BBC: "I think today is a day to forget. Everything we tried didn't work. Credit to them (Brighton) as well but we can't accept this here.
“I think in the changing room, everyone was complaining about ourselves, about the level we played today. Like I said, it's not acceptable. A very bad day in the office. When we come back, we have to start winning games again."
Ross Wilson on Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle sporting director Wilson admitted earlier this month that the club did not want to sell Guimaraes. He said: "There is no point pretending otherwise - we did not want to lose Bruno Guimaraes. That was really disappointing that we got to that place in the end.
"We were happy where we got to in terms of numbers but that was not part of our plan. But everything else that happened during the window was part of the plan. If you want to be a successful club in the Premier League, you have to trade players and if you don't the chances are you won't be a successful club in the Premier League. If you don't do it, then just keep the squad you've got and forevermore they'll grow old, achieve less and leave for nothing."
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