Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira made a big impression after coming off the bench against Fulham at the weekend.
The Portuguese Under 21 international replaced Kai Havertz ten minutes after half-time, and he played a key role in the Gunners’ equaliser, winning the penalty after being scythed down by fullback Kenny Tete.
Vieira put in a standout display as a substitute and fans on Twitter have been discussing whether the midfielder should start against Manchester United on Sunday:
Like a new signing…
— Worthy Sir Knight Manuel (KoC) (@ManuNaija) August 27, 2023
Agreed. Every pass was so sharp.
— ReD Fever (@FeverRed07) August 26, 2023
The best game he has played in an Arsenal shirt
— Skilful of Port harcourt⚕️ (@skilful_nnanna) August 26, 2023
Fabio is a real baller! We also need to start gabriel maghales
— Tenant (@Ndunguke2) August 26, 2023
he was diff gravy tonight. prolly our best player since he came on.
— bean (@khaledsahlie) August 26, 2023
Fabio viera should be starting ahead of havertz.
— AMAANDZE (@MANamandze) August 26, 2023
Arteta was full of praise for Vieira after Saturday’s match
Mikel Arteta echoed the sentiments of supporters by paying tribute to the midfielder’s contribution at the weekend. Asked about the 23-year-old’s performance, the Arsenal boss said:
“Fabio was excellent and it is the first minutes he’s played in the PL this season and I was really impressed with how he wanted the ball and how positive he was, the decisions that he made and the attitude that he had straight away. Fabio was involved in everything we created and I am really happy with that.”
Arteta even admitted that he was at “fault” for not playing Vieira and suggested that we will see more of him in the future.
Arsenal may have to take Havertz out of the limelight
Vieira’s display was a stark contrast to the player he replaced. Kai Havertz missed a gilt-edged opportunity early in the first half and the £65m summer signing from Chelsea is finding it difficult to make his mark at his new club.
A period on the bench may be required so the German international can focus on his game and improve his confidence.
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