Arsenal: Nacho Monreal, Per Mertesacker choice must be made

With Arsenal looking to persist with a back three and no new defensive in-comings. Our strongest back-line needs to be set. Wenger essentially has to decide between Monreal and Per.

It’s been difficult to digest the final days of the transfer window for Arsenal fans. I, for one, am happy that it is over. With only two new signings, Gooners are right to feel disappointed. But we need to look forwards and work with the players available till January at least.

Much of Arsenal’s current problems so far have been defensive. In the first three games of the season our defending has been awful. While many accredit this to Arsene Wenger’s attacking philosophy and a lack of quality in personnel (both of which are certainly factors), I believe it also has to do with selection uncertainty.

Having a solid defensive line stems from communication and the development of partnerships between the players. This can only occur if the same set of players feature together often enough (think of the Invincible back four that were virtually ever present that season).

Wenger has not kept the same back three (or five) for all three games so far and it showed. With an international break now in progress, it is essential that the starting XI becomes more settled.

Arsenal’s most superior defender is easily Laurent Koscielny. I don’t have to go into detail as to why. He takes the first spot in our strongest back three when fit. The next best defender on our books (despite Wenger’s apparent wish to sell him) is Shkodran Mustafi. Despite recent struggles at the back end of last season, the German is still a quality defender.

The final spot in our back three is more up for debate though. Rob Holding and Calum Chambers are both great options for the future but aren’t ready to start week in week out yet (they should get run outs in the cup competitions though).

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This means it is straight toss-up between Nacho Monreal and Per Mertesacker (as Sead Kolasinac will finally be placed at wing back following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departure). Both have their evident strengths and weaknesses but are very able defenders.

Monreal has been a consistent performer for the Gunners for a while now. Despite lacking significant pace and strength. The Spaniard is a very intelligent defender and is positionally astute. He also has the plus side of being left footed which allows his to slot in more naturally on the left side of the back three.

Alternatively, Mertesacker could be used in the back three. The BFG also suffers from a lack of pace but makes up for it with great strength, positioning and aerial ability. More significantly though, Per provides leadership and organisation that the side so often lacks.

Personally, I would station Mertesacker in the back three alongside Koscielny and Mustafi. This provides a strong and solid basis for the rest of the side. Monreal can always be relied upon when needed and provides ample back up for the centre back and left-wing back positions.

Next: Arsenal's Predicted FIFA 18 Player Ratings

What do you think fellow Gooners? Should Monreal or Mertesacker start in Arsenal’s strongest back three?

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