Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira put in another impressive performance from the bench as the Gunners scored two late goals to beat Manchester United on Sunday evening.
After coming on and making the difference in the second half against Fulham, he followed it up by providing his second assist in as many games for his cross-field ball to Gabriel Jesus who sealed a 3-1 victory.
Many supporters on X are now keen for Vieira to be handed a start by manager Mikel Arteta following his displays as a substitute:
Output machine, he’s gonna force his way in soon
— Axèl (@AxelMael44) September 3, 2023
The guy is improving on each game
— 🦍 General AB🦍🇳🇬🇬🇭🇰🇪 (@Osaisai) September 3, 2023
Start viera after the international break
— AFC.musty (@mustyrex11) September 3, 2023
He should start over Havertz
Arteta is just being stubborn
— Mannuueell (@mannuueell_) September 3, 2023
Viera needs to start from now on. Havertz can come on from the bench or he can start in the Carabao Cup
— ADM. SERUM (@ibeyon_s34879) September 3, 2023
start him over havertz
— Km (@KmYNWA) September 3, 2023
He’s coming gooooood !!!
— Soncalico12 (@soncalico12) September 3, 2023
He’ll be starting soon, he has to be.
— Mr Jackson (@MrJackson6) September 3, 2023
Vieira deserves to start ahead of Havertz
With Kai Havertz continuing to struggle in midfield, there is a good case for starting Vieira ahead of the German after the international break.
Havertz was at fault for United’s goal, giving the ball away to Christian Eriksen who threaded a pass through for Marcus Rashford to score the opener.
It must be said that Havertz was unlucky not to get a penalty after a driving run forward into the box, but referee Anthony Taylor overturned his original decision to point to the spot. Other than that, though, the Arsenal star was rather anonymous.
There is competition for the ‘advanced 8’ position
Vieira is pushing for a start against Everton in two week’s time, but he will need to take his chance if he gets it. In addition to Havertz, Emile Smith Rowe will be coveting that position too. The 23-year-old hasn’t been given a lot of game time this season but he will be working hard on the training pitch during the international break to prove himself to Arteta.
If Vieira is given the nod for the game at Goodison Park, he knows he has to perform or, otherwise, somebody else will take his place. You would hope that the competition will get the best out of him.
