By Myles Palmer
Vieira intimidated Veron when Lazio came to Highbury last year.
He did not whack him or eyeball him or anything obvious like that.
But it was noticeable that Veron made sure he was never in a position where he could be tackled by Vieira.
And he was never in a position where he was obliged to tackle the Arsenal No.4.
Having said that, Veron was excellent in that Champions League game.He worked harder and tackled more than I expected.
Arenal were playing well then and won 2-0.
It was a wet night and Wenger’s men were playing with great power and skill and momentum.
Half the Lazio side just faded out of the game.They were a team in decline.
But I always wondered what Veron would be like in a team which had bottle. Today I will find out.
Vieira has only been at 70% this season.
He is not cheating. It’s just that he does not want to be there, so his heart is not in it.
I have become convinced, during the month of November, that Vieira is playing as well as he is capable of playing, given his state of mind.
He gave 100% to Arsenal for five years and now he wants to go to Real Madrid.
And I think he will be sold for £44 million in the summer.Unless Arsenal win the Champions League.
In the meantime, Arsenal have some matches to play, and Vieira is their captain.
He is not an inspiring captain of Arsenal in this situation, or perhaps any situation.The armband inhibits his play.
And he is not helped by people telling him every day that he is the best midfield payer in the world.
Vieira needs a good partner, especially against Veron and Keane, if it is those two tomorrow.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is this: Vieira was better than Veron last time.
But since Vieira is only operating at 70% of his potential, Veron might be the boss this time.
The Argentinian is a fabulous passer and a fine athlete.
But he was not always an effective player at Lazio, even when he was catching the eye.
Will Arsenal win today?
I would be surprised if they do.
Last season they played with terrific drive,flair and pace and created hundreds of chances, missing a lot of goals, but going within 15 minutes of a Champions League semi-final and within ten minutes of winning the FA Cup.
We got a run for our money.
This season has been nowhere near as much fun.
It needs to be turned round. Can it be turned round?
I don’t know. Ask me after Juventus.
25th November 2001.