Bruno Guimaraes sends ruthless message after Arsenal beat Sunderland - 'They know what they are'

Bruno Guimaraes was on the receiving end of boos from Sunderland fans during Arsenal's 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light, but the former Newcastle United midfielder silenced the crowd with a goal and a pointed celebration and social media clapback

Bruno Guimaraes wasted no time giving Sunderland fans stick in the aftermath of Arsenal's 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening.

The Brazilian midfielder finally tasted Premier League victory on the banks of the River Wear, albeit, in the red of Arsenal rather than the black and white stripes of Newcastle United.

Having made a £75million move to North London this summer, Guimaraes was ruthlessly heckled by Sunderland fans as he emerged as a second-half substitute.

However, he needed minimal time to hush the bulk of the 48,707 in attendance. The 28-year-old found himself unmarked on the edge of the box 58 minutes in, before dispatching a powerful and accurate strike beyond Robin Roefs, racing away in celebration while gesturing 'small' towards the home supporters.

Bukayo Saka sealed victory for the reigning Premier League champions deep into added time from the penalty spot, after being fouled by Reinildo - who received a second yellow card for the challenge.

Following the match, Guimaraes turned to social media to mark the triumph, while also adding insult to injury for Sunderland fans.

Posting a photo collage of his goal and celebrations, he wrote: "They know what they are. The fat rat wishes you a nice weekend."

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The 'fat rat' element of Guimaraes' post refers to an insult that a supporter was heard directing towards the midfielder as he entered the Stadium of Light to a wave of jeers from home fans, and isn't a dig at certain Newcastle supporters who turned against him following his move to North London this summer.

The club skipper sent devoted Magpies followers into turmoil when he opted to join Arsenal during a summer shake-up on Tyneside which also saw exits for Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

Nevertheless, Guimaraes made it evident in his post-match interview with TNT Sports that he still cherishes Newcastle deeply.

When questioned if there was a more fitting venue to net his first Arsenal goal, he responded: "Yeah, a beautiful goal and a very good place.

"Everyone knows my past, had an amazing history at Newcastle but now I'm trying to create new history here and it starts with the right foot."

Arsenal maintained perfect from against the Black Cats on Saturday, and sit atop the Premier League table with 12 points from their opening four matches.

They next take on Ipswich Town on Tuesday evening in the League Cup, before turning their attention to an English top flight game against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, September 19.