111 touches, 10 crosses: Cedric shines during Arsenal win

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Arsenal searched high and low for a right-back in the summer but the answer to their problems could have been staring them in the face all along in the form of Cedric.

Takehiro Tomiyasu has looked decent since coming into the club. Last night, however, the ex-Southampton man showcased that he won’t relinquish his place without a fight.

Arsenal thrashed AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the Carabao Cup and the Portuguese player was arguably the best player on the pitch.

Cedric was handed the chance to impress by Mikel Arteta and he wasn’t in the mood to let his boss down.

The 30-year-old was given the Star Man award by Who Scored. They showed him to complete two tackles and have the most touches of the ball of any player on the pitch with 111 touches.

Cedric was given a pretty easy evening up and down the right-hand side as Arsenal won emphatically.

Despite playing right-back he also made three key passes and finished the game with a 90.7% pass success ratio.

Remarkably, he made 10 crosses into the box, with four of them proving successful. He also completed six of his eight attempted long balls during the game.

This was a timely performance and one that offered Arteta a timely reminder of his quality.

Cedric often overlooked but he could have a part to play for Arsenal

Albeit against League One opposition but this was a good performance by Cedric at the Emirates Stadium.

One thing that progression to the next round of the cup should do is offer Cedric the chance to at least play another game.

Tomiyasu will come back into the picture for Sunday’s game but Cedric showcased last night just what part he can play.

The £65,000-a-week player can only impress when called upon. Last night he did that and as a result, Arteta now has some food for thought.