Mikel Arteta believes Fabio Vieira will be a man reborn following the World Cup break after the ‘unlucky’ Arsenal midfielder produced another uninspiring display during Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion, speaking to Football London.
If that stunning long-range strike in September’s 3-0 win at Brentford was supposed to be the moment that jump-started the summer signings’ Gunners career, Vieira’s form over the last two months feels more a man stalling; struggling to get out of second tier.
Following disappointing Europa League performances against PSV Eindhoven and FC Zurich, the £34 million man was once again stuck on the periphery as Arsenal’s hopes of a first EFL Cup triumph in 30 years came shuddering to a premature halt at home to Brighton in midweek.
Eddie Nketiah’s 20th minute opener counted for nothing as in-form Brighton roared back to win.
Arsenal knocked out of EFL Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion
“I think, in front of goal, he’s been unlucky,” Arteta responded when asked why Vieira has ‘struggled’ of late. “Because, in the past two games, he could have scored a few goals. But every player needs time to adapt, obviously.
“When he played against Brentford, and he’s surrounded with players he’s more familiar with, it’s a bit easier. We’ve asked him to play lots of different positions as well. But I’m not worried at all.
“He was injured for two-and-a-half months and he missed the whole pre-season. I think that period in the World Cup is going to make him very good.”
Vieira, it should not be forgotten, is still only 22 years of age. He is not even six months into his Arsenal career, having arrived from Portuguese football in the off-season. The relentless form of those ahead of him in Arteta’s pecking order must also be factored in. Not to mention a packed fixture schedule limiting time on the training pitch.
A couple of weeks being put through his paces at London Colney should do Vieira the world of good.
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