Arsenal wrongly debating Cedric over Calum Chambers

Calum Chambers Should Start Ahead of Cedric Soares

Arsenal can do better than both of the right-backs on their books: Chambers is too slow and Cedric is fairly average in almost every department.

This window it’s unlikely to be amended. No team wants to be heading into any season with a supposed weak link, and that’s why both Cedric and Chambers will get plenty of minutes shared between them.

Much like with his centre-backs, Arteta could head down the ‘horses for courses’ route. Fixtures in which the opposition may flood their own box will reduce the potency of Chambers’ crossing and a more technically nimble right-back will be needed, like Cedric.

However, the player who was consistently in the side when Arsenal were recording ‘top four’ results, has been a superb professional throughout his career and showed dedication to battle back from an ACL tear and usurp two richly experienced players in the lineup deserves his place.

Apart from being the second best crosser of a ball in the team after Tierney, having Chambers in the side caters to an attack-minded left-back. His ability to slot into a back three as well as push into midfield to help release one of the double pivot further forward is a trait that holds real value to Arteta.

Chambers also wins more aerials than Cedric and is less prone to a unforced error. He’s far from perfect but he’s far from dreadful. If only he was just a few yards quicker.

It’s in midfield where the most transformative changes will be made to the team and adding in that Nuno Tavares and Ben White can also play right-back gives greater credence to this being a position that will remain untouched.

Chambers is fine. There are better teams who’ve achieved more with worse right-backs. If the rest of the team is strong enough then Chambers is equipped enough to help Arsenal secure a top four spot.

If achievable this window then nobody would argue against a new right-back being signed. None at all. It doesn’t seem likely, however, and the club are right to prioritise more pressing matters.