Kieran Gibbs vs Nacho Monreal – The Statistics

In Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, Arsenal held one of the strongest centre-back pairings in the Premier League at the back end of last season. However, due to a dodgy start by the former, the Gunners’ defence has had to be reshuffled in numerous games this season. Bacary Sagna has tucked inside to support the big German, while Carl Jenkinson takes up the right-back berth. Over on the left has been the real talking point, however, as January signing Nacho Monreal has been dislodged by Kieran Gibbs.

But who deserves the spot, judging by statistics?

Gibbs has played seven games so far this season while Monreal has played five, but the difference in minutes on the pitch is huge. The former has played 568 minutes, while the latter just 54.

The Englishman has, naturally, made more defensive actions – 35 to Monreal’s five – and has had the better duel success in his individual battles.

Monreal has completed just one tackles, Gibbs nine, while the latter has also won 73% of his headers.

Gibbs has the power and the pace to establish himself as one of the top full-backs in the country, and although there is currently a queue of left-backs trying to get into the side, there is no reason that Gibbs can’t be part of that in the future.