Patrick Vieira has praised the work of Mikel Arteta ahead of ’s clash with at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
The Eagles go into the game high on confidence after thrashing 4-0 in their last match to reach the semi-finals, but the Gunners will prove to be stiff competition having lost just one of their last eight Premier League games.
Much has changed for the two sides since their last meeting back in October when a last-minute Alexandre Lacazette goal salvaged a draw for Arsenal after strikes from Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard had put Palace 2-1 up at the Emirates.
This was something Eagles manager Vieira was keen to point out in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, saying: ‘I’m not surprised about the way they [Arsenal] are playing and progressing.
‘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.’
At the time of their previous fixture, Arsenal were slowly climbing up the table after enduring their worst start to a season in 67 years, with many speculating that Arteta would be sacked after less than two years in charge of the club.
Fast-forward to today, and the Gunners are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2016, with Arteta’s leadership heralded as a big factor in the turnaround in form.
‘I think he went through a difficult period and manged 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.’
It is unsurprising to see the camaraderie between Vieira and Arteta as both served as Arsenal captain during their playing days, with the former wearing the armband as the club completed their remarkable ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003/04.
But the Frenchman was also keen to highlight the importance of young players at the club, with academy graduates like Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka having a starring role in the Gunners’ recent success.
‘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,’ he added.
‘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.’
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