Arsenal’s dramatic comeback against Leeds United delivered three precious points, but it also left Mikel Arteta facing a question. How much longer can he afford to leave Bruno Guimarães out of his starting eleven?For much of Saturday’s encounter, Arsenal looked strangely disjointed. Leeds were sharper, more aggressive and deservedly ahead through James Justin. The Gunners needed somebody to take control, and Guimarães provided exactly that.As we highlighted in our Arsenal player ratings against Leeds, the Brazilian was arguably the most influential player on the pitch despite only arriving in the 63rd minute.Bruno brings something Arsenal were missingHis winning goal was the obvious highlight, but the improvement wasn’t simply about his finish.Guimarães brought urgency and aggression into midfield, giving Arsenal greater purpose in possession and allowing Declan Rice to influence proceedings further forward.The midfielder completed Arsenal’s turnaround with the decisive 70th-minute goal, having been introduced during Arteta’s triple substitution.But here’s the interesting question. Would Arsenal have struggled quite so badly had Guimarães started?Arteta has an abundance of midfield options, including Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Finding the right balance isn’t straightforward, particularly with such a demanding fixture schedule.Nevertheless, possessing quality is one thing. Getting the best combination onto the pitch is another.(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Has Bruno earned the right to start?There is a strong argument that Guimarães offers something different to Arsenal’s other midfielders. He combines tenacity and flair with technical quality and, importantly, isn’t afraid to take responsibility when a game becomes uncomfortable.His contribution to our 2-1 comeback victory against Leeds demonstrated exactly why Arsenal invested in him.Of course, substitutes frequently benefit from entering matches against tiring opponents. Starting a game and changing one are different challenges.Yet Arsenal cannot continually rely on late interventions to rescue performances that should have been more convincing.With Lille visiting the Emirates on Tuesday, Arteta has another opportunity to reconsider his midfield.For me, Guimarães has done enough to deserve that opportunity from the opening whistle.What do you think, Gooners? Should Bruno be an automatic starter, and if so, who makes way?Have your say in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsIs Bruno Guimarães too good to leave on Arsenal’s bench against Lille?11 October 2026, 14:45Have McCabe and Mead taken Arsenal Women’s fire with them?11 October 2026, 13:30Arsenal injury blow as summer-signing carried off after Leeds win11 October 2026, 12:00The post Is Bruno Guimarães too good to leave on Arsenal’s bench against Lille? appeared first on Just Arsenal News.