Vieira's high five

Arsenal v Newcastle, FA Premier League, 11 April 1998

Midfield anchor Vieira has never been a prolific scorer but, when he scores, he tends to do so with a flourish. A fabulous strike against Newcastle United in his first 'Double' season stands out. From a range of 25 yards his right-footer soared into the top left corner of Shay Given's goal at Highbury. It had class written all over it.

France v Brazil, World Cup Final, 12 July 1998

Vieira was a World Cup winner with France in 1998. He only came on for the last 16 minutes of the Final against Brazil but pushed an exquisite pass through for Emmanuel Petit to run on and score a third goal in injury time for ìLes Bleusî. The pair had been absolutely outstanding for the Gunners in their Double-winning year and they combined once again on the world's biggest stage. It was a fitting finale to a fine season for Patrick.

Arsenal v Charlton, FA Premier League, 26 August 2000

After two dismissals inside three days at the start of the 2000-01 season - surely the worst week in Vieira's football life - the Frenchman showed his character by bouncing back to end the week with two goals in Arsenal's 5-3 win against Charlton Athletic. It proved unequivocally that he had the mental strength to underpin his physical and footballing attributes.

Arsenal v Chelsea, FA Cup Final, 4 May 2002

Vieira won a cagey midfield battle with his former Arsenal team-mate Petit as the Gunners beat London rivals Chelsea in the 2002 FA Cup Final. Patrick received the Cup jointly with Tony Adams and the Gunners clinched another ìDoubleî four days later. Patrick's contribution was beyond parallel in a season during which he proved he was the man to take over the mantle as Arsenal's leader on the pitch.

Arsenal v Everton, FA Premier League, 23 March 2003

The heart and soul of Arsenal's midfield was struggling with a knee problem towards the end of last season. But, although clearly unfit, he performed heroically in a crucial match with Everton at Highbury near the end of March, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory. His hunger for success and commitment to the cause shone through once again.


Patrick Vieira 

Nationality: French 
Date of Birth: 23 June 1976 
Place of Birth: Dakar, Senegal 
Height: 6' 4''
Weight: 11 03 
Club: Arsenal
Position: Midfielder