Arsenal: 4 negatives from 4-1 win over Leeds United

2. Cedric is Such a Huge Downgrade From Tomiyasu

It’s been a lingering fear throughout the season.

Since arriving on deadline day, Takehiro Tomiyasu had played every minute in the Premier League for Arsenal. His arrival at right-back has been transformational to the whole team, aiding them structurally in every department and performing his specific role to such a level it acts as the platform for everyone else to improve.

What would happen if he got injured? One need only look at the remaining 30 minutes of Saturday night to get their answer.

Once Cedric came on to replace him the drop off was stark. The gulf in class on that side was frightening, with the Portuguese nowhere near as dominant as Tomiyasu. Not just in terms of his quality on and off the ball, when the summer signing went off Arsenal lost all aerial control on that side and an out-ball for Ramsdale to aim for.

Cedric isn’t anywhere near as physically imposing, technically sound or combative in the challenges. Perhaps worst of all is that Cedric didn’t even do anything necessarily poor. It’s just a wildly long drop off from the levels Tomiyasu produces.

He’s so key to this team. Irreplaceable.

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