Bruno Guimaraes has scored his first goal for Arsenal since his summer departure from Newcastle United. The Brazilian international found the net for the Gunners in a Saturday night match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wearside. The goal came in the 67th minute, a low finish from inside the penalty area that secured a 2-0 victory for Mikel Arteta's side.
His £75m exit came after he indicated a desire to move on, a request Newcastle's sporting director Ross Wilson said the club had to react to despite not wanting to sell. Guimaraes has faced a disrupted start at Arsenal, missing a large part of pre-season and dealing with a minor ankle problem that limited his early involvement.
"Everyone knows my history and what I've done for Newcastle and how much I care about the club," Guimaraes said in a post-match interview. He added, "Everyone knows how much I love to play. I have had setbacks. But scoring here, it's special." The midfielder also confirmed he had received a good luck message from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe prior to the match.
His departure has coincided with a mixed start for Eddie Howe's side, who currently sit ninth in the Premier League with eight points from five games. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw and one defeat from the last five outings. Analysis suggests the team has struggled to consistently control midfield in Guimaraes's absence, a point acknowledged by Howe in a recent press conference.
Newcastle's next challenge is an away trip to face Coventry City on 12 October. The club will be without several key players for that match, including Joelinton and Anthony Elanga, whose absence is noted on our injuries list. Joelinton is sidelined with a hamstring strain, while Elanga is recovering from a knee ligament issue. Wilson confirmed the club is actively looking at the January transfer window to bolster the squad depth in midfield.
The original report is at Chronicle Live
