Alan Shearer highlighted the contribution of Arsenal's new-look central midfield partnership in Saturday's comeback win against Leeds United.
The Gunners looked set for rare back-to-back defeats after James Justin fired Daniel Farke's side into a deserved lead in the 55th minute. Following a lackluster response to a shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton prior to the international break, Mikel Arteta responded with a flurry of substitutions, the most significant of which saw Bruno Guimaraes replace Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Guimaraes and Rice change the game
Alongside Declan Rice, the Brazil international helped change the course of a game which looked to be slipping away from the champions. It was no surprise when that duo combined, with the summer signing from Newcastle providing a fitting end to a flowing move and scoring the goal that secured an important three points.
'They moved the ball a lot better in the second half,' said Shearer, reacting to a victory that has restored a sense of order and calm. 'I thought it was all a bit slow and passive and a bit lethargic in the first half with too many sideways passes – not enough penetration.'
Shearer not concerned by recent form
'Once Bruno came on and moved it a bit better, he scored a great goal. Declan Rice, I thought, was very good in the second half,' Shearer added.
'I'm not concerned over Arsenal's recent performances. I think especially early games after an international break, everyone's just got back probably Wednesday or Thursday. They still haven't had time to recover.'
'I just think it was a hugely important win. It didn't matter how they did it after what happened at Brighton three weeks ago. They had to come back into it and get a win. And they've managed to do that here.'
Guimaraes delighted with first home goal
'It feels unbelievable,' said Bruno, himself, after his matchwinning cameo. 'I felt in the last game against Brighton we were not at the level. Today the mentality was bouncing back.'
'This is my first official game at home. It feels unbelievable to score and it's an important goal, three important points. Great finish and I am very happy.'
He added: 'I have been proving [myself] in the Premier League for the past five years so of course it's a new challenge for me, its always important to play. The most important thing for Bruno is to go to the pitch and play the best football, I am very happy with that today.'
