Cedric Soares made his long-awaited Arsenal debut in emphatic style with a stunning long-range effort to put Arsenal 4-0 up late on against Norwich.
The full-back made his move to Arsenal in an initial six-month loan deal from Southampton back in January. Struggles with a pre-existing knee injury - alongside the enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic - meant his debut was pushed back, however.
The Portuguese could not have anticipated it would be six months until he made his first Arsenal appearance. He also couldn't have dreamed of a better start, however.
The defender replaced first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin with 13 minutes to play and Arsenal 3-0 up and needed just four minutes to make his mark.
A drilled Arsenal corner was only partially cleared, falling into the path of the 28-year-old. He took one touch with his right, before sending a powerful left-footed strike sailing past a helpless Tim Krul.
It was an incredible start for the defender, who may have a big part to play for Arsenal throughout the season's remainder.
"He's a different quality in the full-back area than what we have," Arteta said of Cedric before the game.
"He's a gifted, technical player and is probably the best we have in the final third to make the right decision and attack the box as well. He can play in a four or a five, he's a really good player with experience in the Premier League that can help us."
The win makes it three in a row for Arsenal, who climb to seventh in the table, a point above rivals Tottenham as things stand.
