Arteta hails his “finishers” as Guimaraes hands Arsenal boss a happy headache

Arsenal 2 Leeds United 1 | Reaction | Premier League, Saturday 10 October 2026

Mikel Arteta wanted a response. He got one, and it came off the bench.

Arsenal pulled level on points with leaders Manchester City with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leeds at the Emirates, following their Brighton humiliation.

It was a memorable day out for Bruno Guimaraes. He scored his first goal at the Emirates to secure the three points in the 70th minute. Seven minutes after his introduction to the game.

Mikel Arteta had a message for his players pre-match. This time, the Spaniard set them two challenges ahead of kick-off. Firstly, he wanted them to beat a Leeds side unbeaten in the league. Secondly, they had to rediscover their identity after the 3-0 South Coast debacle.

The Gunners boss said Leeds were extremely well organised, physical and committed in everything they did. However, Arsenal wanted to prove they were something special and unique.

That task looked a difficult one when they went behind in the 55th minute of a 12:30pm kick-off. It was transformed when Riccardo Calafiori scored the equaliser.

Arteta said the mood changed once the equaliser went in. He said Guimaraes, Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres brought leadership, goal threat and the ability to win duels and break a high press. He added that Guimaraes’ goal was a beauty, praising its timing, connection and execution.

It was indeed a thing of beauty as Declan Rice performed a cheeky backheel on the edge of the box. Guimaraes met the ball first time and fired into the bottom corner of the net to put the hosts 2-1 up.

The Brazilian loved scoring at his new home ground after his summer move from Newcastle United. He called the feeling unbelievable. He admitted Arsenal had fallen short of the required level against Brighton and said he wanted to give his manager a little bit of a headache.

Arteta will not mind that kind of headache.

Leeds left with regrets

Leeds had plenty to take from the game. James Justin put them ahead, and they led for seven minutes. They were the best team for large parts of the game.

Justin was disappointed but saw positives in taking on one of the best teams in the league and praised Arsenal’s mentality and credited Arteta for that. Daniel Farke was “heartbroken” for his players, and neutrals may feel Leeds were harshly treated.

What it means

Leeds have lost their unbeaten record and drop to 2-3-1 from six matches, though they stay on nine points.

Arteta’s men move to 15 points, level with Manchester City, who remain top on goal difference. It is a handy response from the Spaniard, coming off the back of sealing a contract extension until 2029-30.

Noni Madueke and David Raya both stood out in an otherwise forgettable 90 minutes. However, the strength in depth, which was shown in the bench, will be the key talking point of this match.

Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, before travelling to Nottingham Forest on Sunday 18 October. Leeds host Manchester United on the same day.