Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed right-back Cedric Soares a rare start in a league game as the Gunners swept aside Newcastle United at the Emirates yesterday evening.
The Portuguese international was surprisingly selected ahead of Hector Bellerin for the match and he duly took his chance to impress by providing the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second goal.
Cedric has not always looked convincing in an Arsenal shirt but many supporters on Twitter were impressed by what they saw last night, with some claiming he offers more on the right flank than Bellerin:
He was superb
— Apostle Perceive (@ApostlePerceive) January 19, 2021
Cedric had a great game, I have known that he got those top level performance in his locker, Because I watched very well when he was playing for the saints. Nice job man.
— ABLE GOD??? (@IkechukwuFeli15) January 19, 2021
Just good to have squad depth….well played
— highwayfive (@highwayfive) January 19, 2021
10x better than bellerin
— A (@BS7era) January 19, 2021
He had a great game yesterday, give credit where its due
— ?️ (@alvin_mudi) January 19, 2021
Brilliant last night
— Danny (@Danny70899858) January 19, 2021
Solid performance, always knew he was an excellent signing
— David MacDonald (@DavidMa89568675) January 19, 2021
Better than Bellerin
— Sheikh Mansour (@Fretmasterbal) January 19, 2021
Keep him in the starting XI. We need a right sided full back like him to help tierney push forward
— NoLiesToldHere (@HonestAFC_Fan) January 19, 2021
Best assist yesterday
— Danny Lema (@danny_lema) January 19, 2021
The 29-year-old has rarely even featured in a matchday squad in the Premier League this season, so it was a shock to see him starting, but the Portuguese defender showed his experience both in defensive positions as well as going forward.
Cedric’s performance has probably earned him a chance to stay in the eleven, although it remains to be seen if Arteta rotates for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Southampton or Shrewsbury Town this weekend.