Here is how Arsenal’s loan players fared this weekend as Fabio Vieira grabbed the headlines in Germany with Hamburger SV
It’s been a tough start to life in Germany with Hamburger SV for Arsenal attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira. Prior to this weekend, the Portugal international had more red cards (two) than goal involvements since leaving the Gunners on loan on transfer deadline day.
He was sent off against Union Berlin before picking up two yellows against FC Koln just two matches after returning from suspension.
Ahead of Sunday’s match against Stuttgart, German newspaper Bild published an article in which it was claimed the 25-year-old needs to step up.
That’s precisely what Vieira did, driving home a late winner to down the club that held talks to sign him during the summer transfer window.
It sparked jubilant scenes and the victory moved Hamburg up to 13th place in the Bundesliga standings.
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Speaking after the game, Vieira said: “I’m unbelievably happy. Of course, because of my first Bundesliga goal, but even more so because I was able to give something back to the fans for their support. This team is fantastic and I’m so happy to be part of it.”
Vieira wasn’t the only Arsenal loanee to shine this weekend though with defender Jakub Kiwior once again proving his worth at the heart of FC Porto’s rock-solid backline.
The Pole marshalled Porto to two more clean sheets, first in the Europa League against Nice in a 3-0 win before a 1-0 Primeira Liga triumph over Estoril.
Since the 25-year-old moved to Portugal, he has kept nine clean sheets in 12 appearances at the Estadio do Dragao which is quite the record.
Mikel Arteta wanted to keep the centre-back but was respectful of his wishes to pursue regular football elsewhere – now it looks highly likely Porto will trigger their buy-option for Kiwior.
Elsewhere, Reiss Nelson came off the bench in the second half for Brentford to help inspire a fourth successive Premier League home victory.
The winger has had a tough time so far in west London but there’s hope he will now receive more opportunities following his return from both injury and illness.
Oleksandr Zinchenko remains absent for Nottingham Forest with a groin issue while young forward Ismael Kabia played 74 minutes in Shrewsbury Town’s 3-3 draw with Gillingham in League Two. He has started every league match since signing for the Shropshire-based side on loan.
Goalkeeper Karl Hein was an unused substitute for Werder Bremen as they were held to a 1-1 draw against FC Koln.
Albanian defender Maldini Kacurri, who plays for Arsenal’s academy, played the full 90 minutes as Morecambe lost 1-0 to Braintree Town in the National League.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard didn’t feature for Danish outfit Brabrand, who are not back in action until March due to the extended winter break. Conditions in Scandinavia are notoriously cold during the winter.
