Arsenal vs Wolves: 4 things we need to see from Arteta’s side

3. Takehiro Tomiyasu Returning to the Starting Lineup

Cedric has pleasantly surprised everyone across the last two matches. Putting in a superb showing at Molineux and then following that up with a more attack-minded outing against Brentford, the 30-year-old has demonstrated his focus and professionalism when it’s been needed.

Certainly the more forward thinking of the two options, he’s come up with performances you want to see from backup options in the squad.

But he’s still a backup.

Fit and ready, Takehiro Tomiyasu should return to the team. His qualities add variance in build-up, stability at the back and, crucially in this game, security in the air. Wolves are a side who love switching the play long to their wing-backs or forwards, and the aerial dominance that Tomiyasu has in those situations can kill attacks dead.

He is the stabiliser in the team that has helped Arsenal get themselves into a top four debate. It’s easy to be swayed by recent events but the Japan international has been one of the best signings the club has made in recent seasons.

Rule number one of management: play your best players.

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