For the second time in three Premier League matches, Bruno Guimaraes has come to Arsenal's rescue. Having sparked their 2-0 win at Sunderland in September with the crucial first goal, the £75m summer signing came off the bench again to have a pivotal impact against Leeds on Saturday. This time it was the winner as the Gunners came from behind for a 2-1 success in a testing encounter at Emirates Stadium.
But Ecuador international Piero Hincapie was carried off during the warm-down, raising concern the defender has suffered an injury. He came on as a late substitute against Daniel Farke's side but completed extra running after the final whistle - a practice most clubs use. A fifth win in six league games put Mikel Arteta's side level on points with leaders Manchester City, but their title defence has certainly not been without its scares so far.
Following on from their comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Brighton last time out, Arsenal fell behind in a league match for a third time in four league matches - and only a David Raya penalty save stopped them from trailing at Sunderland as well. For large parts of the game against Leeds, they were nowhere near their best but, after going behind in the 55th minute, Riccardo Calafiori and Guimaraes - on his full home debut - secured an important three points. "It was a great game of football.
Leeds were brilliant for one hour." said Ally McCoist on TNT Sports. "Mikel Arteta made changes when he needed to and the substitutions gave Arsenal what they needed. That's what champions do.
Leeds can hold their heads high." By getting wins when below par the mark of champions or are there reasons for concern for Arteta and Arsenal? Coming into the season as defending champions, Arsenal were looking to make a statement signing to make their rivals take notice. They did not bring in the attacker they wanted but Guimaraes looks like he could be that key arrival to help Arteta's men build on their success.
The 28-year-old midfielder is a 'win-now' signing in the peak years of his career. He responded well to a disappointing performance in the defeat by Brighton, where he made his full league debut. The Brazilian international has now scored two goals that have helped his side to valuable points and justified the decision to spend big on Guimaraes, even if the Gunners are inundated with top quality options in midfield.
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