London outfit Arsenal were back to winning ways this weekend as goals from Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud gave them a 4-1 victory over the struggling Sunderland side. The manager will know that there are a few positions in the squad that needs to be sorted out but will hope that his team can keep up the good work and stay competing at the top of the table in the Premier League. One such position that the manager will have to sort out quickly to find consistency is the left-back spot. Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal are the two players competing for the position and we here; will try to determine who the first choice at the club should be.
Having started 37 of the 38 games for Arsenal last season, Monreal, is still the first choice full back for Arsene Wegner but a recent injury coupled with the decent form of Kieran Gibbs gives Wenger a headache at the back. The 30-year-old Spanish international, Monreal, moved to Arsenal back in 2013 and took a couple of years to understand the English game. Ever since, he has been a consistent player at the back for Arsenal and has kept Gibbs on the bench regularly. Known for his positional strength and ability to read the game, Monreal is a top class full back who knows how to keep his goal away from danger. He likes to sit back and defend, to provide his side with a solid base in attack.
This is in stark contrast to his competitor in Kieran Gibbs. The England international, who has been at the Emirates for almost a decade now, but has played second fiddle to the likes of Gael Clichy, Andre Santos and now Nacho Monreal, making his career at the club a not so successful one. A pacey full-back who loves to attack, Gibbs has in the past scored some stunning goals and has time and again prove then he is a superb addition to the squad at the left-wing. However, he is susceptible with his positioning and is often criticized for the same so Arsenal cannot take such a risk at both wings. Hector Bellerin at the other wing is also a marauding left-back who often leaves space behind him and having a similar player on the other flank will make Arsenal very open at the back.
With all his experience and form, Monreal will be expected to take a place in the starting XI when fit but Gibbs has a great chance to oust him this season. Monreal, with age catching up, has been a liability against quick wingers and Gibbs is someone who will match the pace of most wingers in the league. Though Gibbs has been impressive, covering for Monreal’s injury, the Spaniard’s experience and his defensive expertise are what Arsenal need at the back and should make him the first choice at the club for at least another year.