Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: 5 talking points from Premier League win

Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka (2nd R) dances with Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel (L) as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 19, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Cedric Soares of Arsenal is encouraged by Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

2. Cedric Again Proves His Worth

Back-to-back weeks of solid performances for the Portuguese right-back. Bet nobody saw that coming not too long ago…

In a similar fashion to his game at Wolves, he got forward at every opportunity and was a catalyst for many of Arsenal’s whopping 32 first-half crosses into the Brentford box. Not all of them were accurate, but it demonstrated his willingness to attack and build triangles with Saka and Odegaard down that side.

Again, he was defensively sound at the back and was a constant outlet down the right-hand side in the first half as the Gunners controlled much of the game. With Takehiro Tomiyasu not deemed fit enough to start, Cedric has filled in superbly and the Japanese international may just have to wait until he is restored to the side.

Although Tomiyasu is the bonafide starting right-back, Cedric has shown his capabilities over the last two games to suggest that he can be a valuable backup for the rest of the season.

And, can we please talk about that Ronaldinho-esque touch when he picked the ball out of the air that fell 60 feet down? Glorious stuff.

Continued on next page…

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