Cedric Soares claims Arsenal earned victory over Liverpool because team has learnt how to 'suffer' for the cause

Cedric Soares believes Arsenal are learning how to “suffer” as a team after they produced a defensively resilient performance in their victory over champions Liverpool.

Cedric said Arsenal will need to channel the same fighting spirit in their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City this weekend, adding that Wednesday’s victory will give them added belief ahead of the trip to Wembley.

“I think in football, in some moments, you need to be able to suffer to win,” said Cedric. “I think we are improving a lot at this. The spirit is getting better and better in the team and we showed that without suffering, you cannot win.

“In some games you just need to adapt to the circumstances and that was the case [against Liverpool]. It was a tough game but we were able to show great character and this made the difference.

“We know it will be another tough game against a great opponent on the weekend, but we are in a good moment. I just think we need to keep this spirit and the rest will come. If we keep working like this, it is just the natural way for a win to come.”

After the game, Mikel Arteta once again made clear his belief that the squad requires investment if Arsenal are to close the gap to the top four sides.

They remain interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey and have reportedly shown interest in defender Malang Sarr, who is a free agent after leaving Nice.

Arsenal already have plenty of centre-backs on their books, with another arriving this summer when William Saliba returns from his loan at Saint-Etienne.

Telegraph Sport understands that one defender who is unlikely to be leaving is Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Sokratis has been linked with a move to Germany in recent days but Telegraph Sport understands there has been no contact with the player from any interested clubs and that the 32 year-old has no interest in leaving north London.

Dinos Mavropanos, meanwhile, has agreed to join Stuttgart on loan next season after signing a new deal with Arsenal. The 22 year-old has been on loan at FC Nurnberg this year.