I really have no idea if the Arsenal and Spain international defender Nacho Monreal was just having an off day in our home win over Swansea City at the Emirates stadium this weekend, but I do know that the Spaniard was way off his best and I am sure that it did not escape the notice of Arsene Wenger either.
Perhaps the late call-up to the Spain national team after the injury to Jordi Alba and Monreal’s subsequent appearance in their game away to Albania has left the 30-year old a bit jaded for club action this weekend, but I do not see why as Spain played that match last Sunday.
I also think that Monreal’s below par game against the Swans was the latest in a recent list and that Monreal has not been the same player that over the last few years has won the battle of the left backs with Kieran Gibbs and become an automatic first team choice.
Maybe Nacho is just having a slump in form and maybe he has become too comfortable. Either way I reckon it could be time for his rival Gunner Gibbs to be given a chance to shine. The England international has shown a great attitude while hardly getting a game and has done the business when called upon.
The 27-year old was probably set to start the Champions League clash with Ludogorets on Wednesday anyway, and then the EFL cup clash visit of Reading next week, but do you think he should also get to play in the Premier League match at home to Middlesborough on Saturday?
Bob.
The only problem I have with Monreal is always moving backwards when under attack, therefore giving the attacker enough space to terrorize him the more…. I really hate it when he does that, he actually caused the second goal scored against us, versus Swansea. Apart from that he is a great guy. Thumbs up to all gunners, am really having a positive feelings about this season.
Yes, it’s worth giving Gibbs a run. He has been a model professional. Perez and Elneny as well need game time with the FIRST TEAM.
Yea it makes perfect sense to give Gibbs that run of games… I thought Monreal has gotten over his archaic shadow-making that looks like he escorts the opposition winger into the 18yard box.
Monreal on an off day is better than Gibbs on a good day. What we need is a left back to make Monreal think,and Gibbs ain’t that player. CB
Can’t recall gibbs been this bad, and so you knw monreal has never been a great tackler he depend so much on interception and coupled with his lack of speed and ageing he struggles against speedy and skillful wengers, gibbs deserves a chance, he wasn’t that bad den…he was just injury prone when monreal took his place, am sure he will do a better job. Until we lose another match because of monreal that’s when you wake up.
Monreal was brought in as cover for Gibbs due to injury problem Gibbs had.
If Gibbs is as good as you think he is then why is he not picked. Monreal has an off day just like Sanches Ozil and you all say drop him. Walcott was crucified here last season now he gets accolades. Gibbs is a ok player for 80th he can’t pass forward he always when he receives a pass out wide he gives it back Monreal creates more attacking down that left side, what we need is a Left back to switch with not a player like Gibbs. CB
which ‘Sanches’ are you talking about cos the Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal didn’t have an off day.
and Monreal have been proven as weakness in our defence this season by Barrow, Mahrez, Mane already
Nacho Monreal’s sub-par game against Swansea was not down to deterioration. He has always struggled against powerful wide men with pace. Kieran Gibbs has always been the better player. He’s faster, stronger, and better both defensively and offensively. What he wasn’t and perhaps isn’t; is as reliable.
Monreal is reliable. He is disciplined. He is good at everything. Good, but not great. He’s not a star. That’s why he’s never been a regular for Spain. Against most players, against most teams, in most competitions, he’s more than good enough. He’s like Leighton Baines and like Baines he gets exposed at the highest levels or when he is faced with players with certain characteristics. In the World Cup Baines was exposed as too slow afoot and too slow of thought to compete. Monreal is better than Baines but he is not and never will be, a Bellerin or even a Gibbs. What he will do though, is play his position well and true.
Gibbs on the other hand can be a star, he just needs to be more disciplined.
Monreal struggled not just due to his lack of pace but also lack of support from Iwobi. It’s as if Iwobi is becoming Ozil and is becoming a bit lazy with his defensive duties. He needs to put in a shift. It’s the one reason i dread the Ox starting a game as he also squirms at defending.
Monreal has 1 off day and now he’s struggling? I don’t undeesyand where this is coming from monreal is arguably the best LB in England he’s mr consistent for a reason. He has brilliant stats and his ratings every game have been great. He’s 30 and had to travel to Albania for international for the first time in years he could’ve been tired so rest him and play gibbs v ludogarets
I don’t understand this knee-jerk reaction from some fans. He had one poor game and all of a sudden needs to be dropped. Let’s not forget that he had an international for the first time in years. Iwobi/Xhaka/Cazorla meant to provide cover for him were nowhere to be seen. Should he be rested? Yes. Should Gibbs play against ludogoret? Abosultely! But let’s give one of our most consistent performers the benefit of the doubt.
Thought Gibbs should have been brought on earlier, along with Monreal.
Kieron has looked sharp in his appearances this season…worth start against Ludogorets ?
Still think Nacho is our no.1 LB, links up well going forward as well.
Nonsense. I’m going to shadow some of what’s already been said before me. Monreal is one of the best left backs not only in the league, but in the world. All he needs is some support from whoever plays on the left wing once in a while. It happened to be Iwobi on Saturday. He also happens to be 30-years old, which is not terrible, but he’s obviously lost half a step from a year or two ago. So it wouldn’t hurt to get a week or two of much needed rest, especially after playing on international duty. I reckon Wenger will give him just that in the upcoming weeks, since we’re playing Boro, Reading, and Sunderland. Perfect time for squad rotation, if you ask me.