Arsenal already have their own Bruno Fernandes and it isn't Martin Odegaard

Arsenal endured a frustrating weekend, drawing 2-2 against Fulham as their perfect start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign came to an end.

Mikel Arteta's side conceded a hammer-blow 87th-minute equaliser despite the fact that the Cottagers were down to ten men following Calvin Bassey's red card just a few minutes prior. But one positive from the second-half at the Emirates Stadium was the brief cameo from substitute Fabio Vieira.

The talented playmaker changed the game when he came on, winning a penalty, which was eventually dispatched by Bukayo Saka, and registering an inch-perfect assist for Eddie Nketiah's goal. Vieira will hope that his impressive showing earns him more minutes in the team going forward.

The former Porto star endured a difficult debut season last term, struggling to showcase his sky-high potential on a consistent basis. However, the underlying numbers illustrate just how elite a creator he is, something that can be a huge weapon to the Gunners when facing deep blocks.

Since the start of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, only Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes have averaged a higher expected assists rate (xA) per 90 minutes than Vieira, according to Understat. Considering De Bruyne and Fernandes, along with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, are widely regarded as three of the league's best-attacking midfielders, those numbers are very impressive for Vieira.

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Emile Smith Rowe swap, Frenkie de Jong claim

After the game against Fulham, Gunners boss Arteta made it no secret of his admiration for the 23-year-old, saying: «I’m really happy with the impact of the subs and the way they came in. With Fabio delighted for him because he hasn’t played any minutes