What Mikel Arteta and Edu did to former Arsenal star that spoke volumes
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar caught up with Cedric Soares following their Premier League clash against Southampton. The Portugal international, who represented both clubs competing for three points at Emirates Stadium this past Saturday, departed the Gunners at the end of his contract in the summer.
Cedric was one of Arteta’s first signings at Arsenal following his appointment in late 2019, as the successor to Unai Emery, with the versatile defender initially joining on loan from the Saints before sealing a permanent move a few months later.
The 33-year-old made 64 appearances in red with his last coming off the bench against Sheffield United in March. Prior to that, his final start for the club came in the Champions League draw against PSV with the Gunners already through to the knockout stages.
Given his affiliation to both clubs, Cedric will have likely enjoyed the thrilling game with the Gunners coming from behind to win 3-1. Goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka sealed the victory with Arteta likely delighted by the points given the injuries in his squad.
Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard were all key players to miss the game with major issues in defence resulting in Thomas Partey playing at right-back.
Arsenal perhaps could’ve done with Cedric at the weekend as White and Timber missed out due to injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu was also only fit enough for the bench following an eight-week absence with Kieran Tierney also still absent because of a hamstring injury.
