The much-decorated former France midfielder sees a glint of greater conviction in the eyes of Roberto Mancini’s men since their Wembley triumph last May.
Vieira picked up a fabulous fifth winner’s medal for the Final win over Stoke, having already earned four with Arsenal, and knows the galvanising effect FA Cup success can have.
He said: “Winning the FA Cup makes you think that you are a really strong side. When you look around at the players you play next to, it gives you belief. That gives you momentum.
“It gives you a belief that you can challenge anybody else in the league. You go onto the field as the FA Cup winners, and other teams take us seriously because we have talent.”
City were last champions in 1968 but have topped the table for much of the season, and Vieira said: “Winning the league will put us on a different level as a football club, as a team, and on a personal level.
“You believe more in yourself and your club. When you look at our squad, it’s 20 players who are all internationals. They’re all young and really ambitious. Players come here to write the story of the club and to win the league.
Every day I see players who are really committed, concentrated and want to achieve the same objective
City’s Football Development Executive, who twice did the Double with Arsenal, also sees another reminder of the old Gunners as Mancini’s squad hit the final stretch of the title race.
He said: “The focus is there as a team. What I really like of this team and makes me remember Arsenal, is the atmosphere in the dressing room.
“There is a group of lads who have a really strong relationship. At Arsenal I liked going to training every day because the atmosphere was really good and I feel at City it is the same.
“I feel the club and Roberto create this relationship with players who like to spend time together – that’s the start to success. Players who want to achieve the same objective.”
