Forgotten man Fabio Vieira credits training ground routine after Arsenal goal, he’s set for breakout season

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal recorded a 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth in the opening pre-season match of their USA tour, with Fabio Vieira netting their only goal.

Vieira impressed in a starting role, and gave his side a first-half lead with a superb volley from a Reiss Nelson cross.

The main aim of the game was for Arsenal to build up some rhythm, and several academy players also shone alongside Vieira, which will give Mikel Arteta plenty to think about.

Vieira is entering his third season as an Arsenal player after joining from Porto in 2022, and he has a lot to prove. Emile Smith Rowe now looks set to depart, and Arteta has placed his faith in the Portuguese midfielder to step up and prove why he has been preferred to a homegrown fan favourite.

Fabio Vieira credits training ground routine for Arsenal goal

Speaking after the friendly, Vieira highlighted how the move which led to his volley was something he had practiced in training.

“It’s something we train for every day in the training ground,” he stated.

“We have been creating a lot of these positions in the box as it’s also very important to score goals.

“I’m happy to score this goal for Arsenal.”

Fabio Vieira is set for big campaign with Arsenal

Vieira started last season well, but injury and a lack of consistent minutes disrupted his momentum, which he never regained.

However, he knows he now needs to kick on in an Arsenal shirt, as he is running out of time to impress. The 24-year-old will hope for more game time this season, but he will also need to earn his spot in the team.

If Vieira continues his strong pre-season form, he can earn himself a spot in the team to begin the season, with no new midfielder signed yet and Declan Rice returning late from Euro 2024.

It is clear that Vieira possesses a lot of talent which Arteta is yet to fully unlock, but his quality in the final third can prove decisive for Arsenal.

Arsenal somewhat lacked a game-changing, decisive player in the final third at times last season, and if Vieira can play himself into some form, the quality of his final ball has the potential to surpass anyone else’s in the squad.

It is clear from his limited appearances, which also saw Vieira impress in a cameo against Chelsea towards the end of last season, that he is striving to improve, and Arsenal will now hope that this campaign is one in which their risky investment from two years ago reaps rewards.