Nacho Monreal impressed in Arsenal’s win at Manchester City.
Arsenal’s defence was impressive as the Gunners kept a clean sheet in a victory away to Manchester City.
Arsene Wenger’s side conceded six at The Etihad Stadium on their last visit, but stood resolute against what transpired to be a disappointing Manchester City attacking performance.
Every one of Arsenal’s back line impressed, including teenager Hector Bellerin, deputising for the injured Mathieu Debuchy, but it was the opposite full-back Nacho Monreal who stood out.
| Match | Won Tackles | Interceptions Won | Aerial Duels Won | Accurate Crosses | Shots Blocked | Assists | Goals | Total | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacho Monreal | Man City vs Arsenal | 3 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 90 |
| Héctor Bellerín | Man City vs Arsenal | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 90 |
| Laurent Koscielny | Man City vs Arsenal | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 90 |
| Per Mertesacker | Man City vs Arsenal | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 90 |
Monreal accumulated more key defensive plays than any other Arsenal player, leading the team in interceptions with seven, while his three tackles won was the joint-highest among the defence.
The Spaniard also won more aerial duels than any other defender, and was one of three members of the backline to block a goal-bound City shot.
Playing back in his favoured position at left-back, Monreal looked much improved than his shaky performances early in the season in the centre, but even these had got better of late.
Monreal was selected ahead of England international Kieran Gibbs, a decision which previously would have made fans nervous, but his performance showed mistrust in his ability is presently misplaced.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
