Arsenal supporters were delighted with the impact of left-back Nacho Monreal, who put in his second straight man-of-the-match performance for Arsene Wenger’s side.
The Spain international had missed the start of 2018 with an ankle problem, but he returned to first-team action in style last weekend as he notched a goal and two assists in the space of just 30 minutes against Crystal Palace.
Monreal was hauled off prior to half-time versus the Eagles with a minor hamstring injury, but he managed to return in time for the League Cup semi-final second leg versus Chelsea where he put in another masterpiece.
The Spaniard contributed indirectly to Arsenal’s equaliser versus the Blues which came in the form of a double-deflection which eventually ended in the back of the net.
The Gunners therein struggled to exhibit their dominance in the first period, but they put in a real shift in the second half with the visitors struggling to find creativity after Willian, who went off injured.
Here are the best tweets regarding Monreal’s showing:
The way monreal played that header off not only one, but two Chelsea players was exquisite. Truly world class.
— ❤️ (@gunnerdouzi) January 24, 2018
Elneny and iwobi fantastic 2nd half but Ozil Monreal and mustafi world class thank you Chelsea for making a game of it you were brilliant especially first half
— jack stephenson (@jacktruthafc) January 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/FJohnf1964/status/956259465719894021
Nacho Monreal knew his header would be saved , so he used Alonso and Rudiger as pim ball cushion to confuse the keeper and score. #Genius #Arsenal #arsvche
— Sooriya (@SooriyaSankar) January 25, 2018
Who knew our Alexis replacement was already at the club. Love you Monreal.
— SA (@SAftbl) January 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/AkilKapasi/status/956258432419549184
https://twitter.com/MyneNanana/status/956420253357133825
With Alexis Sanchez not in the ranks, Monreal had more freedom to press in the attack front, and he exhibited his dominance over Blues right-back Victor Moses, who had a tough time coping with compatriot Alex Iwobi in the first place.
Arsenal progressed to their eighth League Cup final as a result of a 2-1 aggregate win, and they will now face Manchester City at the Wembley on February 25.
The Gunners were rather unlucky with decision in the recent league meeting between the sides, but they will bank on their strong record at the Wembley to secure what would be the club’s first League Cup crown under Wenger.
