The Importance of Being Vieira

Everyone knows how influential Patrick Vieira was for Arsenal and the Premier League in general at the start of the century. The Frenchman's quality and leadership helped transform Arsenal into one of the world's biggest clubs. So, it's not surprising that the Gunners' fans love to sing Vieira's name in adoration.

But it is somewhat surprising to hear the same chant two decades later - as Fabio Vieira, entirely unrelated to now-Crystal Palace manager Patrick, played his way into travelling fans' repertoire on Sunday afternoon.

The Portuguese midfielder, who joined from Porto a couple of months ago, has had to be patient so far this season, sampling his first action as a late sub against Manchester United earlier this month. He started last week away to FC Zurich in the Europa League, but this was the first time he had been included from the start in the league. And the 22-year-old made sure it was an occasion to remember, cracking home in the second half with his left foot.

"I'm really happy, of course, to score my first goal with this club. We've started this season really well and we need to keep doing this. Everybody plays, everybody knows what they have to do on the pitch and we need to keep doing this."

There had to be a word changed in the song, though...

Viera whoah,

Viera whoah,

He comes from Senegal,

He plays for Arsenal!

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Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was delighted after the match, indicating that there is a lot more to come from the former Porto midfielder - once his best role in the team is fully determined.

"His best role still needs to be decided. In those two attacking midfield positions, for sure. He's played off the side as well, so it's more about the relations he has in the unit and on his side, and where he is more comfortable. But the position he played today fits him really well. He loves to take risks on the pitch - he's a creative player. He needs to play with his gut feeling and his instinct. That's what he needs to do and we need to create as many scenarios for him as possible to put his talent to the service of the team. What I like as well is the way he competes, and the way he went about the ugly part of the game really impressed me."

There seems to be a mystical connection between Arsenal and midfielders called Vieira - much to the delight of Arsenal's singing fans.