Cedric Is Not Good Enough For Arsenal's Bench, Says Darren Bent

Former Tottenham man Darren Bent has criticised Cedric as being below the level necessary for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s first choice right back is Japanese star Takehiro Tomiyasu, however, due to injuries, Cedric Soares found himself in the limelight, featuring 29 times last season. Despite such a vast expanse of game-time, the Portuguese man flattered to deceive. 

The odd moment of a finely whipped cross to the back post would be undone in the same game by multiple loose touches, poor positioning and overall technical security. This drop off from Tomiyasu to Cedric can be highlighted as one of several catalyst’s behind the Gunners’ collapse in the top four race. 

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Bent argued that Arteta needs to raise the floor of the talent in the squad, stating: “When Tomiyasu was out, Cedric came in – but he is not good enough. They need to bring players in that are good enough, even from the bench.”

A look at Arsenal’s bench in the final half-dozen games of the season, and it’s clear where he is coming from. On the last day of the season alone, Cedric started, with a bench of now departed Lacazette, an underperforming Nicolas Pepe, and three Hale End graduates without a single Premier League minute. 

The options are currently looking sparse for a Cedric replacement. In terms of the transfer market, it is only Aaron Hickey that Arsenal have been linked to that could fill that role, but even then, he’s an ambipedal left back rather than an orthodox right back.

An alternative may be looking closer to home. Brooke Norton-Cuffy had an incredibly successful loan spell in League One with Lincoln, earning him the award of Scholar of the Year at Arsenal. Whether he can make the step up remains to be seen, but reports suggest he will be given the chance to stake his claim in pre-season. 

Regardless, Darren Bent’s assessment of a drop off in quality is an apt one, and an issue the Gunners surely need to address in the summer transfer window.