Bruno Guimarães determined to give Mikel Arteta a selection 'headache' after completing Arsenal comeback

Bruno Guimarães says he is enjoying giving Mikel Arteta a ‘little bit of a headache’ over team selection after coming off the bench to score the winner in Arsenal’s victory against Leeds United. 

The 28-year-old needed just seven minutes to make his mark, rounding off a sublime team move with a sensational strike past James Trafford.

Awarded TNT Sports’ Player of the Match, Guimarães reflected on Arsenal's response following their defeat to Brighton before the international break.

He said: “Well, I feel unbelievable. I feel, in the last game against Brighton, we all know the level that they should demand, and today the mentality was bouncing back.

“To be honest and to be fair, this is my first official game at home. I feel unbelievable, I scored an important goal, three important points and a great finish. I’m very happy.”

Since joining from Newcastle in a £75million deal this summer, the Brazilian international has struggled to break into the starting lineup, with injuries and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield limiting his opportunities.

However, his winning strike against Sunderland marked the start of a spell of momentum, having also found the back of the net for Brazil in Australia during the international break.

His latest performances will undoubtedly be forcing Mikel Arteta into a dilemma, given Lewis-Skelly has also impressed for Arsenal and England in recent weeks. 

“For me, it’s important when I’m on the pitch to give my best,” Guimarães added. “[To] give a little bit of a headache for the manager!

“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.

“It’s always important to play. Like I said, for me, the most important thing for Bruno is to go to the pitch and play my best football. I’m very happy for today.”

Leeds took the lead through James Justin after David Raya was unable to keep out Gabriel Gudmundsson’s cross. Arsenal responded seven minutes later, with Riccardo Calafiori grabbing the equaliser. 

Guimarães then completed the quick turnaround with a goal that capped an excellent team move from the reigning champions. Bukayo Saka found Martin Ødegaard, who threaded a pass through to Declan Rice. 

The 26-year-old deftly backheeled the ball into the path of the incoming Guimarães, whose effort from outside the box found the bottom-left corner. 

The Gunners return to Champions League action on Tuesday evening, welcoming Lille to North London, as they look to maintain their perfect start to the league phase with a second consecutive win.