Gabriel Martinelli rubbished Fabio Vieira's claim his goal against Brentford on Sunday afternoon was "lucky" during a live TV interview.
Vieira scored a stunning goal for Arsenal in their 3-0 win against the Bees, capping off a superb full Premier League debut. The Portuguese midfielder, 22, was forced to wait for his first start in the competition after suffering an injury in pre-season.
Vieira joined Mikel Arteta's side from Porto in a £34million deal in June. Although he's yet to make his senior international debut, he was named as the U21 Euros Player of the Tournament in 2021. He also helped Porto win three trophies, including two league titles.
During a post-match interview on Sunday, Vieira's goal was described as "spectacular" by the interviewer. He shook his head and replied "lucky" - to which Martinelli responded: "No, don't say that... he's been practising that shot every single day, so it's not luck."
Vieira added: "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."
Arsenal are top of the Premier League - one point clear of Manchester City and Tottenham - after winning six of their first seven fixtures this season. William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus also scored for the Gunners in their 3-0 win against Brentford.
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Martinelli has becoming good friends with Vieira since his arrival. "We are always together," said Martinelli. "He’s a very good guy and everyone loves him. What I can do to help him, I will do and not just him, but everyone in the squad, I will do my best to help.
"With him it’s easier because he speaks Portuguese. It’s easier. What I can do I will do to help him, he’s a nice guy and a very good friend."
Analysing Vieira's display, manager Arteta said: "I think he’s having a good progression. Obviously he missed the whole of pre-season due to injury, that was really unlucky. But we know his talent, the reasons why we signed him and what he can bring to the team. To do it against Brentford, at this ground, on his debut, is a different story. He showed again his character and his qualities."
On Vieira's best role, Arteta added: "That’s something that 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."
Arteta also believes Vieira is a player that will take risks. He continued: "He is like this, 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."
