Guimaraes silences Sunderland boos with first Arsenal goal on Stadium of Light return

Bruno Guimaraes marked his first Premier League appearance at the Stadium of Light since leaving Newcastle United with a goal and a gesture that left Sunderland supporters with little to say, as Arsenal claimed a 2-0 victory on Saturday.

The Brazilian midfielder, who joined Arsenal for £75 million in the summer, was met with a wall of boos when he emerged as a second-half substitute — a reception rooted in his close association with fierce local rivals Newcastle. He took just minutes to quiet the 48,707 inside the ground, driving home a precise effort from the edge of the area in the 58th minute after finding himself in generous space.

As he wheeled away in celebration, Guimaraes made a deliberate ‘small’ gesture with his fingers toward the home supporters. Arsenal’s night was sealed in stoppage time when Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot after Reinildo brought him down, the Sunderland defender collecting a second yellow card and a red in the process.

Guimaraes did not stop there. Posting a photo collage of his goal and celebrations on social media, he wrote: “They know what they are. The fat rat wishes you a nice weekend.” The ‘fat rat’ reference was a direct callback to an insult reportedly aimed at him by a supporter as he arrived at the ground — and, he was keen to clarify, was not directed at Newcastle fans.

His move to Arsenal this summer was one of the more jarring departures in Newcastle’s recent history, coming alongside the exits of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon in a significant squad overhaul. Despite the acrimony of the transfer, Guimaraes was measured when speaking about his former club after the final whistle.

“Everyone knows my past — I had an amazing history at Newcastle,” he said. “But now I’m trying to create new history here and it starts with the right foot.”

The defeat leaves Sunderland 14th in the Premier League table, with a demanding week ahead. The Black Cats face AZ Alkmaar at home in European competition for the first time since 1973, before hosting Manchester City the following Sunday.