Mikel Arteta praised Fabio Vieira na Arsenalthe routine Europa League beat Bodo/Glimt, but insisted the summer signing should ‘do more’ defensively.
Vieira impressed with his limited appearances after a £34 million move from Porto, opening his account for Arsenal with a wonder goal in the 3-0 win over Brentford last month.
The Portuguese midfielder was on target again on Thursday evening when Arsenal defeated Bodo/Glimt by the same score to take the lead of their Europa League group.
Arteta said Vieira was a ‘real threat’ to the home side, but urged his summer signing to ‘do more’ for the team from a defensive point of view.
When asked if Arsenal fans should be excited about Vieira, Arteta replied: ‘Yeah, you saw the quality. Every time he is near the box he is a real threat, a very intelligent player and brave.
“In defense he has to do even more and understand it more, because organization is key when you play against good teams in possession of the ball.”
Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding scored the other goals as Arsenal outclassed Bodo/Glimt to secure their ninth win in ten games in all competitions this season.
When asked what he liked most about Nketiah’s performance, Arteta said: ‘When he puts the ball in the back of the net! For a manager, this is the best time.
‘Of course his pace of work, his attitude, his application is simply phenomenal. But he has this natural ability and he does it every time.”
Speaking of Nketiah’s role at Arsenal this season, with first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus having a brilliant start to his Gunners career, Arteta added: “All I can say is I’m delighted to have him on the team.
“He has the qualities to play for this team, in any role, as a starter or finisher, or whatever you want to call him. We all love his attitude and the qualities he has, so we are very happy with him.”
As Arsenal rode to victory in the Emirates, Arteta was impressed by Bodo/Glimt. The Gunners will travel to Norway next week for the reverse match.
Arteta said: ‘It is impressive how clear and courageous they are in what they want to do. They came here and tried to play exactly the same as they played against an opponent at home or away.
“It’s an honor for the manager, because they put that belief in the team. So they are a very, very good team.’
Premier League leaders Arsenal will return to domestic action on Sunday against last season’s number two, Liverpool.
Jürgen Klopp’s side got off to an unusually poor start to the season, winning just two out of seven league games to slip to ninth place in the English top division.
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