Forget his goal, Mikel Arteta says Bruno Guimaraes did something else that was 'unbelievable' vs Sunderland
Bruno Guimaraes was the star of the show as Arsenal beat Sunderland in the Premier League.
The Brazil international started on the bench again, with Mikel Arteta keeping his faith in Myles Lewis-Skelly in the middle of the park.
After a difficult first half for the teenager, the Arsenal boss took him off and replaced him with Guimaraes, and that proved to be a fantastic decision.
Arteta was happy with the midfielder’s goal, but something else he did also impressed him.
Mikel Arteta hails ‘unbelievable’ Bruno Guimaraes moment during Sunderland vs Arsenal
Bruno Guimaraes showed everyone why Arsenal spent £75 million to sign him.
The former Newcastle United skipper has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for a few years now, but his start to life as a Gunner has been difficult.
Guimaraes has had a few niggles that have prevented him from starting games, but it won’t be long now before he gets the nod.
On Sunday, just 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute at half-time, the Arsenal number 39 scored an absolute screamer to give his side the lead.
Now this is how you celebrate a screamer 🙌
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 12, 2026
🔴 @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/luNaPwd3US
That goal helped them win the game, but Guimaraes kept going, and his pass to Bukayo Saka before he was brought down inside the box was fantastic as well.
Arteta was really impressed with that and heaped praise on him after the game.
He said in his press conference, as relayed on HaytersTV: “Unbelievable! But again, the personality that he has. He comes in, and this was a special game for him as well and what it means for him. How he grabs the game, makes decisions that he’s made…
“The two actions – the goal was incredible, and the assist as well to Bukayo to put him through in front of goal was unbelievable as well. I’m really impressed with him.”
Bruno Guimaraes has brought a much-needed trait to Arsenal
Guimaraes is an elite midfielder in the prime of his career.
Some people felt Arsenal overpaid to sign him, but match-winning performances like the one against Sunderland completely justify the investment.
In the first half, Sunderland’s low block made it very difficult for the Gunners to penetrate, create chances and score a goal.
The game was crying out for a long-range effort, and Guimaraes did just that when he got the opportunity.
Arsenal have missed that trait since Granit Xhaka left the club. Guimaraes adds that and more, which is why he could be a game-changer this season.