Kevin Campbell has completely brushed off claims on the Highbury Squad Podcast that Mikel Arteta is setting up Cedric Soares to fail by playing him at left-back
Host Sophie Nicolaou suggested that Arteta should be playing Cedric at right-back given Bellerin’s struggles on that side.
On Saturday, Cedric was partly at fault for Arsenal conceding early on during their 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa before he was taken off in the second-half as the North London outfit pushed for the points.
This was the exchange between Highbury Podcast host Sophie Nicolaou and club legend Campbell about Cedric and that Willian sub at Villa Park.
Nicolaou stated: “He is also setting up certain players to fail.”
Pushed to name a player, Nicolaou added: “Well, Cedric playing left-back. I know he has done [before] and he has done lots of times for his country.”
“No, he’s not setting him up to fail,” responded Campbell. “No, no, no, Sophie. No.”
Nicolaou added and stated: “He is because he should have played him at right-back. Maybe just start Cedric at right-back. Bellerin has been poor. This is clear. Play Cedric at right-back and start Saka at left-back. Keep Pepe on the left.”
Campbell added: “Did we not have chances when Willian came on? I am sure we did. I saw chances we did create. But we never took them.”
Ironically enough, Cedric, 29, put in his best performance for Arsenal during their league win at Southampton last month.
Ever since Cedric made the switch from St Mary’s to the Emirates, he has found regular game time tough, even though Bellerin isn’t pulling up any trees on that right-hand side.
Kieran Tierney’s injury has opened up the chance for the versatile defender to switch to the left, but many are now calling for him to get a regular run in his natural position.
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