CEDRIC SOARES scored a magnificent free-kick as Fabio Vieira played his first minutes in an Arsenal shirt against Swansea under-21s on Wednesday.
Arsenal under-21s ran out 2-1 victors at Meadow Park with Cedric bagging the winner.
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The Portuguese found the top corner with a classy finish, whipping the ball to beat the Swans keeper at his near post.
Cedric played the entire match in the comeback win, with youngster Joel Ideho grabbing the equaliser in the 18th minute.
Summer signing Fabio Vieira lasted 45 minutes as he continues his road to recovery after a foot injury, with Mikel Arteta in the stands watching on.
The £34million star missed pre-season with the issue but has been in training since the end of July and is slowly making his way back into contention.
Emile Smith Rowe has also struggled with a groin problem and started against Swansea U21s before being substituted at half-time.
But the England international is perhaps closer than Vieira to full fitness after playing six minutes in the 4-2 win over Leicester last Saturday.
Interestingly, Vieira operated further forward than Smith Rowe against the Swans, hinting at the Portuguese playing in an advanced role once he is match-ready.
Vieira offers Arsenal versatility with Arteta revealing the 22-year-old has played in different positions in training.
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When asked to name Vieira’s best position, Arteta said: “That’s something the player is going to tell us.
“We are already trying him in different positions in training, and he’s played on the left, right, as a false nine and an attacking midfielder, so it’s good.
“He doesn’t want to be locked in any one position, because he’s so used to it, and that’s a really positive thing for us.”
