Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that midfielder Fabio Vieira deserves more minutes following Thursday's 2-2 draw against Sporting CP.
The Gunners travelled to Lisbon to take on Ruben Almiron's side in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash and they broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when central defender William Saliba headed in from a corner. The aforementioned Vieira got the assist, delivering a fantastic cross to the French international.
After the full-time whistle, Arteta singled out the former Porto playmaker for praise, claiming that he was the most dangerous player on the pitch. When asked about the 22-year-old's performance, Arteta said: "Really happy with him.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed Gabriel Jesus injury boost ahead of Sporting CP as striker returns to training
"I think he deserves more minutes than he’s had, especially in the last two months. Obviously he had a difficult start because we injured for two months after a surgery and wasn’t at the level that we want.
"You saw tonight he was probably our most dangerous player. He was always making things happen. He’s a player that I absolutely love."
Vieira, who was signed by Arsenal last summer, has found game time difficult to come by during his debut campaign, behind captain Martin Odegaard and veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka in the current pecking order.
However, when he has been given chances he has performed, scoring two goals and providing a further six assists across all competitions. The Portuguese Under-21 international started last weekend's 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League and he will hope that he gets another chance to impress on Sunday when the Gunners travel to Craven Cottage to take on Marco Silva's Fulham.
READ NEXT:
Latest Arsenal injury news as three miss Sporting CP and huge Gabriel Jesus update emerges
Bold transfer move pays off for Stan Kroenke and Arsenal as Chelsea face embarrassment
Thierry Henry makes Kai Havertz demand in comparison to Arsenal and Man United player
Mikel Arteta handed fresh triple Arsenal injury blow ahead of Sporting CP Europa League clash
Arsenal wonderkids drafted in as Mikel Arteta is without senior stars for Sporting CP clash
