Arsenal: Nacho Monreal reminds fans what they’re getting

Arsenal’s defenders have been extremely suspect lately, but Monreal’s impeccable performance led the gunners to a much needed victory over Crystal Palace.

Many Arsenal fans went into the weekend’s game lacking confidence, and for good reason. Crystal Palace have been in brilliant as of late. They had only lost two matches since November, one of which was the Gunners when they visited just a few weeks ago.

Despite the lack of confidence from the fans, the players certainly didn’t lack any on the pitch. The man of the day Nacho Monreal, got the first goal in the fifth minute and later following up with two assist.

Mr. Consistent

Monreal has just returned from a few weeks on the sidelines and has already shown Arsenal fans what has been missing.

Related Story: 5 Things Learned Against Crystal Palace

With the Spaniard, you always know what you’re going to get. Against Palace, Monreal showed that he is not only one of the most underrated defenders in the league, but one of the most underrated players in general.

With a goal and two assist in only 33 minutes, Monreal lead the Gunners to a much needed victory. Mr. Consistent is a name that we hear ever so often with Monreal and it’s about time he gets the praise he deserves.

Despite the fact that the Spaniard was immense on the day, and head and shoulders over most players on the pitch, many other players put in sublime performances as well.

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Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere ran the game. Alex Iwobi had a good performance as well (he needed that). Something must have bitten Arsenal in the arse. Even Petr Cech’s kicking was on par. Trying to impress Pierre-Emerick Aubameyeng and Henrikh Mkhitaryan? Only time will tell.

The negatives, not many this time

The only two downsides to the romping of Crystal palace were that: 1. We didn’t score more and 2. That Monreal went off injured.

It may sound a bit ungrateful but this side really could have had six or seven. Not to mention, Monreal’s injury (though it doesn’t look serious) could still be an issue. With Chelsea just around the corner Gooners will hope that the Spanish Superman is deemed fit for the semi-final match up.

Next: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Player Ratings

The Carabao cup, along with the Europa league are the only titles that the Gunners have any chance of winning. Monreal is critical for this side to win any silverware, as he reminded us of against Palace.