Alan Shearer praises two Arsenal stars after comeback win against Leeds
Alan Shearer highlighted the contribution of Arsenal’s new-look central midfield partnership in Saturday’s comeback win against Leeds United.
The Gunners looked set for rare back-to-back defeats after James Justin fired Daniel Farke’s side into a deserved lead 55th minute lead.
After a lackluster response to a shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton prior to the international break, Mikel Arteta responded with a flurry of substitutions, the most significant of which saw Bruno Guimaraes replace Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Alongside Declan Rice, the Brazil international helped change the course of a game which looked to be slipping away from the champions and it was no surprise when that duo combined with the summer signing from Newcastle providing a fitting end to flowing move and scoring the goal that secured an important three points.
Get personalised updates on your favourite club
Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning.
‘They moved the ball a lot better in the second half,’ said Shearer, reacting a victory that has restored a sense of order and calm.
‘I thought it was all a bit slow and passive and a bit lethargic in the first half with too many sideways passes – not enough penetration.
‘Once Bruno came on and moved it a bit better, he scored a great goal. Declan Rice, I thought, was very good in the second half.
‘I’m not concerned over Arsenal’s recent performances. I think especially early games after an international break, everyone’s just got back probably Wednesday or Thursday. They still haven’t had time to recover.
‘I just think it was a hugely important win. It didn’t matter how they did it after what happened at Brighton three weeks ago.
Ask Metro
Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
‘They had to come back into it and get a win. And they’ve managed to do that here.’
More Trending
- Alan Shearer Premier League predictions including Liverpool vs Man City
- Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: Guimaraes scores winner as Gunners secure comeback win
- Declan Rice drops major hint over his Arsenal future
‘It feels unbelievable,’ said Bruno, himself, after his matchwinning cameo. ‘I felt in the last game against Brighton we were not at the level. Today the mentality was bouncing back.
‘This is my first official game at home. It feels unbelievable to score and it’s an important goal, three important points. Great finish and I am very happy.’
He added: ‘I have been proving [myself] in the Premier League for the past five years so of course it’s a new challenge for me, its always important to play.
‘The most important thing for Bruno is to go to the pitch and play the best football, I am very happy with that today.’
Arrow
MORE: Arsenal 2-1 Leeds: Guimaraes scores winner as Gunners secure comeback win
Arrow
MORE: Declan Rice drops major hint over his Arsenal future
Arrow
MORE: Mikel Arteta told to give £62million Arsenal star a chance against Leeds
Football Newsletter
Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning.
Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/10/10/alan-shearer-praises-two-arsenal-stars-after-comeback-win-against-leeds-29697668/