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Arsenal’s struggles with red cards this season have seen them play with 10 men in multiple matches, with key players such as Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, William Saliba, and Myles Lewis-Skelly (twice) all receiving dismissals. The issue has even extended beyond the club, as Arsenal loanee Fábio Vieira recently served a one-match suspension while playing for FC Porto.
Vieira, who had been in red-hot form with a goal contribution in four consecutive games, was forced to miss Porto’s 1-0 defeat to SC Braga on Saturday. His absence was keenly felt, as Porto struggled offensively, registering just seven shots—their lowest tally in a league fixture since October 2024.
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The defeat leaves Porto nine points behind league leaders Sporting CP, while second-placed Benfica hold a six-point advantage with a game in hand. With Braga now level on points, Porto must be wary of slipping out of the top three, despite holding a superior goal difference.
Fábio Vieira has four goals and four assists in 30 appearances for Porto this season (Image credit: Getty Images)Before his suspension, Vieira had been in outstanding form, scoring in back-to-back league games. He netted a stunning curling strike in a 1-1 draw against Vitoria Guimaraes before following it up with another powerful finish in a 2-0 win over Arouca.
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The 24-year-old midfielder, on loan from Arsenal, now has four goals and four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season, making a strong case for his long-term future.
Vieira’s loan was designed to help him rediscover his best form after two frustrating seasons at the Emirates, and his performances suggest he is making the most of the opportunity.
With his suspension now behind him, he will aim to add to his goal tally when Porto face Braga in their next fixture, as Arsenal continue to monitor his progress ahead of a crucial summer transfer decision, with captain Martin Odegaard struggling for form since his return from injury early this season.
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