Two key passes, three dribbles: Arsenal star sends reminder to Arteta after brilliant Leeds outing

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Cedric Soares has been forced to watch from the sidelines for much of his Arsenal career – but on Tuesday night, he sent a reminder to Mikel Arteta.

Cedric, 30, has been afforded just four starts for Arsenal this season – two of which have come in the Carabao Cup. Takehiro Tomiyasu is first choice.

The Japan international joined from Bologna and has hardly put a foot wrong since. It has seen Cedric warm the bench at The Emirates so far.

But on Tuesday, he was excellent for Arsenal – as they knocked Leeds out of the Carabao Cup to win 2-0 in the last 16. He lasted the entire 90 minutes.

Calum Chambers came off the bench to score the opener, seconds after his introduction, before Eddie Nketiah netted against his old side.

But Cedric was right up there in terms of stats, according to WhoScored. The German-born ace has certainly sent a reminder to Arteta.

Cedric stats: Still a solid option for Arsenal as cover for Tomiyasu

His rating was third highest among his teammates, 7.54, behind only Bernd Leno and Nketiah. Both in terms of attacking and defending, he was perfect.

The 34-time Portugal international produced two key passes in the final third for his Arsenal teammates – but was excellent in his own third, too.

He made three tackles, second only to Gabriel Martinelli. He looked to get the ball into the box and make things happen, producing nine.

That was more than any of his teammates. Of his 39 passes throughout, 33 were successful – a decent percentage of 85%. A superb display, from Cedric.