Vieira: Euro victory in sight

Patrick Vieira believes that lessons learned in past Champions League campaigns have made Arsenal serious contenders for this season's European crown.

The Arsenal captain admitted that the undefeated Premiership leaders failed to live up to their recent reputation as they beat Celta Vigo 3-2 in the first leg of the first knockout round of the Champions League in Spain last night.

'We were flat and we didn't play our normal passing game,' said Vieira.

'But the most significant thing is that we won without playing well.

'That's a good sign. Two or three years ago we might not have won that match. It means that we are learning from our previous Champions League experiences.

'Every year we've had a good team and a good run in the competition, but we've always been knocked out. This time we must ensure that the pressure doesn't get to us. We have to keep playing our football.

'We know where we want to go. We know what we want to achieve. We're very proud of the way we're playing this season but we haven't won anything yet. We still have a long way to go.'

Arsenal have only once reached the Champions League last eight and on that occasion, in 2001, they lost to Valencia on the away goals rule after drawing 2-2 over two legs. Vieira paid tribute to the Brazilian midfielder Edu, whose two goals set Arsenal on the road to victory.

'He played a really important role,' said Vieira. 'When we were struggling he lifted us. He doesn't play every match but whenever he gets into the team you see how good he is.'

Edu aggravated an ankle injury but is expected to be fit for Saturday's game against Charlton. 'I got a kick in the Middlesbrough game and on the same spot at the weekend,' he said. 'I got kicked in the same place last night but I'm confident I'll be fit for the weekend.'