LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Hopes Club Great Patrick Vieira received a warm welcome from home fans when the French visit Emirates Stadium for the first time since taking over at the Premier League Rival Crystal Palace.
Vieira Arsenal captain for three league titles and four FA Cup wins as players, famous leading ‘invincibles’ who went to a full Premier League campaign in an unbeaten in 2003-04 before ending the spell of nine years with the club the following year.
“He legend Arsenal and I hope he gets a deserve reception for what he does as a player and someone,” said Arteta to a press conference in front of Monday’s match.
“He is the club captain in the most successful era and it’s good to have it back.” After ending his career after serving with Manchester City, Vieira managed New York City and France Side Nice before replacing Roy Hodgson in Palace in July.
“He has some experience (in the Premier League) and knows the league very well and you can see what he tries to implement at the palace,” Areta added.
Arsenal lost three of their opening league matches, conceded nine goals without scoring, in their worst initial in 67 years before running unbeaten four matches covering three wins, getting Arteta award manager of the month.
They sat 11th in the standings with 10 points, three places and three points above the palace.
Arteta stressed that Arsenal had to improve their form of assessment after scoring five league goals.
“It’s something that we can do better,” he said.
“We can increase our efficiency in front of the goal.
When we get that balance, it will help us win more games.” Forward Gabriel Martinelli missed with a mild injury while the Xhaka granite midfielder was ruled out with serious knee problems.