Arsenal vs Norwich: Key Tomiyasu decision at right-back

Cedric Soares for 2-3-5 in Possession

In an ideal world Cedric would have been moved on during the summer transfer window. This is not an ideal world we’re living in.

One of four options who can play at right-back (five if you count Ben White), the 29-year-old is most peoples’ last pick to play in the position.

What benefit would come from fielding the Portuguese against Norwich is that be boasts better technical quality in the final third than Chambers – key word is ‘better’ – and that he is more of an attacking outlet.

Will Arteta get his side on the front foot from the first minute and look to put breathing space between themselves and Norwich early doors? It’s an approach that risks being too open early doors but due to the Canaries’ front three of Milot Rashica, Teemu Pukki and Todd Cantwell not being pace merchants, he may desire a really high line to compress the pitch.

Cedric playing means Arsenal can build out with the two deepest players being the central defenders and aim for a more 2-3-5 in possession. It’s a more attacking approach and ensures there can be plenty of width across the team, which he may opt for.

The major concern being, of course, that it’s Cedric.

Continued…