Ian Wright says Arsenal fans didn’t want 23-year-old star ‘anywhere near XI’, now he’s performing
Ian Wright has stated that Arsenal fans initially didn’t want Fabio Vieira to be part of the team last season, but he has managed to change their perception.
Vieira had several brief appearances as a substitute, resulting in numerous assists, and he recently started in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory against Everton on Sunday.
Fabio Vieira displayed a strong performance, and Wright mentioned that he is now reaping the rewards not only for his current season but also for his performances in preseason.
This information was conveyed during an interview with Premier League Productions on September 17, 2023.
During the game at Goodison Park, Vieira could have earned an assist when he cleverly set up Gabriel Martinelli for a goal.
Unfortunately, Eddie Nketiah, who was part of the play, was in an offside position, and the goal was disallowed.
Nonetheless, this situation underscores Mikel Arteta’s willingness to reward players who make an impact coming off the bench, demonstrating that there is a place for them in the starting lineup.
Fabio Vieira’s change in form
“As a player, you want to be rewarded for what you are doing,” said Wright. “Last season, Arsenal fans didn’t want him anywhere near the team. They didn’t think he was good enough.
“He started the pre-season brilliantly. He has come on now and made an impact. You have to reward these players, at some stage.
“There is no time for sentiment. His (Arteta) job is to win the Premier League title. He has to find a formula. If someone is in form, then he has to play.”
Kai Havertz was the player who was omitted from the starting lineup for the victory against Everton, primarily due to his recent struggles with form.
Although Mikel Arteta faces a congested fixture list, the question arises whether he will choose to keep Fabio Vieira in the starting eleven for the upcoming matches against PSV in the Champions League and Tottenham on Sunday.
In all honesty, the left-footed playmaker has earned the opportunity to feature in those matches, as he hasn’t been making significant mistakes in his performances at the moment.
Ian Wright says Arsenal fans didn’t want 23-year-old star ‘anywhere near XI’, now he’s performing
