Arsenal fans gutted as Cedric Soares is on the bench against Benfica

Published on February 25, 2021

Arsenal have released their starting XI ahead of tonight’s match against Portuguese opposition Benfica – and some of the club’s fans on Twitter are frustrated that defender Cedric Soares have been left out of the side.

The Gunners face Benfica this evening in a pivotal Europa League Round of 32 tie.

Mikel Arteta’s side go into the match with an away goal after a 1-1 result in the away leg, but need to finish the job to progress to the last 16.

This competition represents the best realistic chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, plus they’d surely love to avenge the Europa League final defeat from the 2018/19 season against Chelsea.

A selection of Arsenal supporters though have voiced their anger towards one part of Arteta’s selection.

The manager has opted to stick with first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin for the Benfica fixture, despite the fact his understudy Cedric played in the first leg and assisted a goal.

Cedric, 29, played in that match as cover at left-back, but is on the bench on Thursday.

Kieran Tierney’s return to the XI see’s him slot in at left-back and Bellerin starts in the other full-back position, meaning versatile defender Cedric has been omitted altogether from the starting team.

Here are some Arsenal fans discussing the fact Cedric has been overlooked:

Would rather Cedric than Bellerin in all honesty but this team should be good enough to progress. Glad to have Partey on the bench if we really need him too. Come on boys! https://t.co/DvtLk6UMEx

— Sam (@SamHartJourno) February 25, 2021

Give Cedric a start!

— MosesLee (@_Moses_Lee_) February 25, 2021

Cedric had Assist to his name in previous leg, now he id dropped.

Terrific Man Management from Arteta. https://t.co/Nm6BsV2jjy

— Abhi (@AfcAbhi) February 25, 2021

I like our 11 – created lots of chances last week and scored 4 vs Leeds. I believe Cedric should definitely be given his opportunity ahead of bellerin though. #AFC

— Halenders (@TheHalenders) February 25, 2021

Cedric deserves to start ahead of Bellerin

Lacazette deserves to start ahead of Auba

Pepe shouldn't be benched after he picked up such a great from

If we lose tonight, it's on Arteta Only

— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagnn) February 25, 2021