Vieira ‘not surprised’ by Arsenal’s progress under Arteta

Jason Soutar
Patrick Vieira and Mikel Arteta before a match

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has heaped praise on Mikel Arteta as his Arsenal side chase a top-four finish.

The Gunners face Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday evening. Wilfried Zaha is a doubt after the winger was ruled out of Ivory Coast’s clash against England with a hamstring injury.


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“He is still in the medical room and we will see how he is tomorrow,” Vieira said on Zaha.

“We have until Monday so hopefully he will get better and he can have a couple of training sessions with the team.

“But we have to wait and see how he is tomorrow and what happens over the next couple of days.”

Last time Arsenal and Palace met it finished 2-2 after Alexandre Lacazette scored a last-gasp equaliser for Arteta’s side.

The Gunners have progressed greatly since then and are now the favourites to finish fourth ahead of Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham.

“I’m not surprised about the way they [Arsenal] are playing and progressing,” Vieira said (via Metro).

“I believe they have a good squad and good manager. Now they have a really clear understanding about how they want to play, are playing better football and have confidence. It’s going to be challenging for us but we’re in a really good period as well.

“I think he went through a difficult period and managed to keep his calm and cool and managed to return [resolve] the situation,” continued Vieira.

“All credit to him and the work he’s been doing. The results he’s had lately have been really positive.”

The former Arsenal captain added: “I think when you’re looking at the DNA of Arsenal, they’ve always had young players coming through the academy and performing in the Premier League and I think it’s important to always try to create this kind of pathway.

“Arsenal do it really well. Those young players are now Premier League players and play the European competition and play in an international level and that’s good for Arsenal.”