The Brazilian came off the bench after Riccardo Calafiori's equaliser and needed just seven minutes to put Arsenal ahead in the 69th minute.

Having missed Arsenal's first two home games of the season, Bruno admitted he was eager to get onto the pitch and make an impact.

"It's my first official game at the Emirates. I didn't play against Coventry and for Chelsea I was coming back from injury. I couldn't wait to go onto the pitch today, and I was very anxious on the bench," he said.

"Getting into the game, scoring an important goal and getting the three points is always a very good feeling. I would say it was a very special day for me."

The victory also provided a welcome response to Arsenal's defeat against Brighton, although Bruno believes there is still room for improvement.

"After the last game against Brighton, we knew that we should do much better, and today I think it was a great answer, even if I believe we can do much more," he said.

"But the three points were very good for us. We know how tight the Premier League is, so we're very happy with the win."

Arsenal's winning goal came from an excellent team move involving Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

Odegaard combined with Saka before finding Rice inside the penalty area. The England midfielder then produced a clever flick into Bruno's path, allowing the Brazilian to finish from outside the box.

The strike continued Bruno's impressive record from distance. Since making his Premier League debut in February 2022, only Ebere Eze and Phil Foden had scored more top-flight goals from outside the area than his nine.

It also highlighted the growing understanding between Bruno and Rice, who had combined for another long-range goal when Bruno scored as a substitute against Sunderland.

Explaining the thinking behind the move, Bruno said: "Mikel always tells us never to stay in the same position and always try to disorganise the other team. I think we did that very well.

"When Dec set the pass for me, the first thing in my mind was: 'I can't miss this, I can't miss this, I have to score!'

"It was a great finish, a great goal and a great moment for everyone."

Bruno celebrated by jumping into the home crowd, making sure he shared the moment with supporters who have backed him since his arrival from Newcastle United.

The midfielder said he wanted to show his appreciation for their support after delivering a goal that secured three valuable points.

"I felt amazing. I can't wait to score more goals now," he said.

"It was very loud when I scored. I wanted to hug them for everything they have been doing for me. I can feel their love.

"It was special to give them a hug and say thank you for everything they have done for me so far."

Bruno now has another milestone in sight, with Arsenal preparing to host Lille in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

The midfielder is looking forward to experiencing another major occasion in front of the home supporters as Arsenal turn their attention to European competition.

"It's going to be amazing, my first Champions League game at home. I'm very excited about the big games we have ahead now," he said.

"Now the focus is to celebrate a little bit today and start to think about Lille tomorrow."

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad