Nacho Monreal

Published: 19 March, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has revealed the secret of Arsenal’s resurgence in the Premier League and the FA Cup – and it has got nothing to do with the wealth of offensive talent that he has at his disposal.

Nor is it a case of defending well – not that the Gunners have been accused of that very often this season. 

The difference, according to Wenger, is the full-backs, who play a “vital part” at both ends of the pitch in modern football.

Left-back duo Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs have both performed consistently this season while, on the right, Calum Chambers and Hector Bellerin have both played more games than expected following Mathieu Debuchy’s injury-hit season.

Monreal has certainly stood out this season, none more so than when he scored the opening goal at Old Trafford recently to help Arsenal record a famous 2-1 victory over Manchester United and with it, a place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

“When you look back at the positive results of the team you always realise that you have great full-backs,” Wenger told the official matchday programme. 

“That is a vital part in any successful team.

“Today they are dangerous going forward. They have crucial, important decisions to make defensively, and they contribute in a reliable way to the defensive efficiency. It’s probably one of the most important positions in the team.

“Nacho has done well in Manchester, it’s his city. 

“He got us a penalty at City and he got us our first goal at United. We are all pleased for him because. 

“We have two fantastic left-backs, and they have both produced great contributions this season.”