Bruno Guimaraes insists he will always cherish his connection with Newcastle - but nights like Wednesday at the Allianz Arena typify exactly why he pushed so hard to join Arsenal.

The all-action Brazilian came agonisingly close to scoring his first Champions League goal in his new colours - only to be denied by Manuel Neuer - before midfield partner Declan Rice's pile-driver snatched a crucial away point for the Gunners just eight minutes from time.

Guimaraes relished every aspect of the ferocious heavyweight shootout in Bavaria, explaining: "I think it was an unbelievable game for those who like football. It was good character from the team.

"Neuer saved my header - it was an unbelievable save. I was already celebrating and then he pulled off a miracle, from my point of view. But this is just the standard of the Champions League.

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"Two top teams fighting for every ball until the end. A draw is okay and on Saturday we have a top game at home. We have to be very good at home because we want to win the Premier League again."

That mindset and competitiveness, across all competitions, is what Guimaraes craves. The 28-year-old is now beginning to feel right at home in the heart of Arsenal's midfield.

He said of his growing bond and understanding with Rice: "He is so good. He is an unbelievable player and an unbelievable guy. He has been trying to help me a lot since my first day at the club.

"I think he can play, like me, as a No.6, No.8 or No.10 - everywhere in the midfield. I think the manager is still trying to get the best version of ourselves. Today, I played more as a No.6, he played more as a No8.

"But I enjoy playing with him a lot, with Martin [Odegaard] as well. He is a top player. He is so good with the ball - the pass he made today for [Eberechi] Eze was an unbelievable pass. So, I think we have been on a good run so far. We have been enjoying getting to play with each other."

It was not so long ago that Guimaraes was trading insults with Rice - now the pair are striving to drive the Premier League champions to new heights, particularly on the continental stage.

"When we were playing against each other - I was not nice to him, he was not nice to me," joked the no-nonsense Brazil international. "Now we are nice to each other and we are really helping each other on the pitch."

Another decisive figure helping Guimaraes settle into his new surroundings is Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard was an integral driving force behind the £75million summer transfer and now Guimaraes wants to create history under the tutelage of his relentless manager.

He concluded: "I think now the mentality of the club has changed a lot. I think Arteta shows this perfectly.

"Like I said, we don’t accept a draw here. We always want to win. That is the mentality that we go to the training ground with every day. He [Arteta] is always a little bit addicted to videos and the way that he can make us feel better on the pitch. I think we have a top manager with a top mentality. We want to win everything possible."