We were indebted to Nacho Monreal on several occasions last season.
In addition to last-gasp clearances and vital tackles, the Spain defender also added goals to his game and developed a knack of scoring at crucial times.
Such was Monreal’s improvement in front of goal that he scored six times last term - twice as many goals as he had managed in his previous five campaigns - and Arsène Wenger had plenty of praise for the defender.
“Nacho Monreal has had a very good season,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “Age of course, when you’re a defender, is maybe less damaging than when you play in the middle of the park or up front, because you can use your experience.