Arteta: Arsenal showed personality in 2-1 comeback win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side had a point to prove after their heavy defeat to Brighton, following a 2-1 home comeback victory over Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

"We knew it was going to be really tough. We are coming from three weeks without 16 players and after a heavy defeat, and we had all these things in the tummy," Arteta said. "Something was touched in our identity against Brighton, especially in the manner that we reacted after being in a difficult situation."

Arsenal trailed at home before fighting back to win. Arteta credited the squad's response once they levelled, saying the energy shifted and substitute finishers made a decisive difference.

On Bruno Guimaraes, who came off the bench, Arteta noted the Brazilian has not yet had a pre-season after travelling with the national team to Australia and India. "We thought when the players that are more settled here, if we have to bring him in and change the game, do it," he said. Arteta added that Guimaraes has now made an impact twice as a substitute, against Sunderland and Leeds.

Noni Madueke earned particular praise after starting. "He deserves the chance that he got, and he grabbed it with both hands," Arteta said. "In training he's been the best player in the last 10 days. He gave me no option not to select him."

Arteta also addressed a change in Declan Rice's midfield role. "I went to him and said — you are not the lighthouse anymore; you are something else," the manager said, adding he would reveal more detail at the end of the season.

On Viktor Gyokeres' limited minutes, Arteta kept his message simple. "He will play games and he will have minutes, and the best way is when they enter the pitch, show how good they are."

Arsenal host their next fixture on Tuesday night before playing again on Sunday.