Arsenal have been given something of an encouraging update by Patrick Vieira ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace tomorrow evening. Selhurst Park has not been a positive venue for the club in recent times with the win in 2021 a small ray of hope for the Gunners’ forays south of the river.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash with his former side Arsenal, Patrick Vieira addressed some of the less rosy parts of his side’s preparations this summer. Recruitment being the main theme.
Patrick Vieira wants more signings before the close of the window. Cheick Doucoure, Chris Richards, Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei but only just gone over the £30 million threshold compared to their opponents who have spent nearly four times as much.
READ MORE: Arsenal 'mystery winger' signing part of Edu's transfer 'rebalance' to close out the window
“As a manager, you’re always wanting more,” Vieira said. “So far, I’ve been really happy with the players we’ve managed to bring in. Obviously, we are short on numbers, but we still have a few weeks until the end of the market.
“We had a really good season and what is important for us and for me as a manager is to try to keep that stability that will help us to grow as a team and try to improve the squad. A couple of players came in and that will give us more challenges because what we want is for players to make it really difficult for me to choose the starting XI.
However, Vieira did have a concern ahead of the match. Raising the worry that current injuries will be a problem and therefore a subsequent boost to Arsenal.
“Squad-wise, we are a little bit short but, like I said earlier on, I believe that we can be even more competitive than we were last year,” Vieira added. It is expected James Tomkins, Michael Olise and James McArthur will all miss the match.
Arsenal meanwhile have four players who are doubts. Mikel Arteta said three of Emile Smith-Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney would train this afternoon and be in contention.
The return of Fabio Vieira is the most anticipated having completed a £34 million move this summer and still having to wait on a debut due to a minor injury. With the cup competitions and five substitution rule though, he should have plenty of opportunities to play.
The expected team for Arsenal will consist primarily if not in its entirety of those that started against Chelsea and Sevilla. A side far more greatly prepared in terms of form, momentum and quality than the side that lost 3-0 just four months ago.
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta unlocks planned Gabriel Jesus Arsenal role with surprise bargain La Liga transfer
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Big Arsenal Forum: Answer the call as we ask fans 7 key questions
Lucas Torreira’s agent confirms Galatasaray decision timeline as Arsenal await midfielder exit
