Bruno Guimaraes has responded to Sunderland supporters who taunted him as a 'fat rat' during Arsenal's victory at the Stadium of Light. The Brazil international, who joined Arsenal from Newcastle in a £75million summer transfer, scored the decisive goal after coming on as a half-time substitute.
Guimaraes breaks deadlock after penalty save
The midfielder was introduced at the interval and made an immediate impact. Shortly after goalkeeper David Raya denied Enzo Le Fee from the penalty spot, Guimaraes found the net to break the deadlock. His every touch was booed by the home supporters, and he celebrated by making a gesture with his fingers that was widely interpreted as calling Sunderland a small club.
Before the match, Guimaraes had been jeered and called a 'fat rat' as the Arsenal team coach arrived at the stadium. The 28-year-old was keen to remind the Sunderland fans of that jibe in a pointed social media post after the final whistle.
Social media response and Arteta's praise
'They know what they are, the fat rat wishes you a nice weekend,' Guimaraes wrote on social media. The post was a direct reference to the abuse he received from the home crowd during the match.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his summer signing, who had been forced to wait for his chance due to injury and the impressive form of Myles Lewis-Skelly. 'Unbelievable, but again the personality that he has, and this was a special game for him as well, what it means for him,' Arteta said.
'How he grabs the game, making decisions that he's made. The goal was incredible, and the assist as well to Bukayo to put him through. I'm really impressed with him.'
Rotation key for busy schedule
Arteta also hinted that Guimaraes could soon be starting games regularly, noting that the squad would need to rotate with matches every three days. 'They all are (knocking on the door), to be fair. We have had a really tough week, as I said, and they've all played and been really important – and that's what we're going to need as well, every three days to maintain this level, otherwise it's impossible.'
The win at Sunderland marked a significant step for Guimaraes, who had struggled to make an immediate impact at Arsenal following his high-profile move from Newcastle. His performance, capped with a goal and an assist, suggests he is ready to become a regular starter for the Gunners.
