Guimaraes launches Arsenal career with first goal – and a pop at Sunderland

Updated: 13 Sept 2026 05:59 BST |
3 min read

Make us your Google favourite

Bruno Guimaraes fired back at old foes Sunderland after leading Arsenal to a dramatic victory at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The 28-year-old opened his goalscoring account for the Gunners with a stunning strike in the second-half of a pulsating contest on Wearside.

In a chaotic 121-second spell, Guimaraes picked out the top corner moments after Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved an Enzo Le Fee penalty at the other end.

The goal came at the perfect venue for Guimaraes, who Sunderland fans labelled “a fat rat” due to his association with their fierce rivals Newcastle United.

After scoring his first goal for Arsenal since his summer move from Newcastle, Guimaraes sprinted over to the Sunderland fans and cupped his ears.

And the Brazil international rubbed salt in their wounds once again when taking to social media after the full-time whistle had blown.

In a post on his Instagram stories, Guimaraes wrote: “They know what they are! The fat rat wishes you a nice weekend.”

The midfielder became a modern-day Newcastle legend after captaining them to the 2025 Carabao Cup before ending his four-and-a-half-year spell this summer.

Guimaraes has been made to wait for Arsenal breakthrough

Guimaraes joined Arsenal for a reported €87.4million (£75m) in August and injury has prevented him from making the ideal start for Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, he will now look to kick on after launching his Arsenal career with a fabulous goal which maintained his new side’s perfect start to the 2026-27 season.

When asked about Guimaraes’ performance at Sunderland, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “Beautiful, he came on, the goal, the assist, remarkable.

“That why we talk about the finishers and making that impact and being able to support and help the team. He was outstanding.”

Guimaraes highlights the incredible strength in depth Arsenal have in midfield, having replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly at the half-time interval at Sunderland.

Arsenal, who have won their opening six games of the season including the Community Shield final, also have Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino as options.

The Premier League champions return to action on Tuesday evening when they travel to Ipswich Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Related stories:

Transfer Rumours: Estevao truth as Man Utd ‘line up’ stunning raid on rivals

Ederson and Lewis Hall IN: How Man Utd’s 2026/27 XI could have looked