Bruno Guimaraes was on target as Arsenal scored twice in eight second-half minutes to secure a comeback 2-1 win against Leeds United at the Emirates
Bruno Guimaraes after he scored for Arsenal against Leeds United
Bruno Guimaraes after he scored for Arsenal against Leeds United(Image: (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images))
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Super sub Bruno Guimaraes put Arsenal’s title defence back on track as they avoided an almighty scare against Leeds United. The Gunners scored two goals in eight second-half minutes to come from behind against Daniel Farke's stubborn side at the Emirates Stadium.
Leeds took the lead through James Justin before Riccardo Calafiori converted from close-range to restore parity just after the hour mark. Then, less than 10 minutes after coming off the bench, Guimaraes completed the comeback with an assured finish from the edge of the penalty area.
The victory ensured the Gunners returned to winning ways after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break. And Guimaraes said: “I feel unbelievable. I feel in the last game against Brighton we were not the level that... and today the mentality was bouncing back.
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“To be honest, to be fair, this is my first official game at home, it's been unbelievable: score an important goal, three important points and yeah, great finish, I'm very happy.”
Guimaraes has only made one start in the Premier League so far this season after moving to the capital for £75m from Newcastle United during the summer.
“For me it's important when I'm on the pitch to give my best - give a little bit of a headache for the manager,” the Brazil international admitted.
“I'm just very glad to score my first goal here at the Emirates, an important goal. We want to be champions again so three points is always welcome.”
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates with Declan Rice
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates with Declan Rice(Image: (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images))
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Before he added: “Well, I think I've been proving [myself] in the Premier League for the last five years. So but of course it's a new challenge for me, it's always important to play.
“And like I said, for me, the most important thing for Bruno is going onto the pitch and playing my best football, and I'm very happy about today.
“The Premier League is very tight. I think Leeds have a great team. It was a tough game, we're glad we got the three points but like I said, very tight - so very welcome when we get the three points.”
While Gunners boss Arteta told TNT Sports "Before the game we talked about two things. One, the challenge ahead because Leeds had not lost in the Premier League and it was going to be really tough.
"And second one, to restore our identity and be ourselves again, regardless of the context of the match. We weren't pleased against Brighton and today was an opportunity to put that right. We certainly reacted in the manner we expected."