Arsenal began August with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield, winning the competition for the second year in a row, thanks to not only Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fantastic winner but also an impressive defensive performance, shutting out Jose Mourinho’s men for the full 90.
The Gunners also got their Premier League campaign underway and had a difficult start – losing 2-0 to east London side West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium, but then went on to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park before drawing 0-0 with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium and then defeating Newcastle United 1-0 at St. James’ Park, meaning the club sit in sixth position in the early stages, having won twice, drawn once and lost once.
Key to Arsenal’s start to the season has been tough, solid and organised defending, something that has been epitomised by the club’s Player of the Month for August selection by Read Arsenal – Nacho Monreal.
The Spaniard played in every minute of every game during the month of August and has really impressed, clearly nailing down that left-back spot as his own (if he hadn’t already), ahead of former first choice Kieran Gibbs.
Monreal is a composed, solid defender, who in the last 12 months has added a definitive attacking nature to his game, something that a modern-day full-back must have in abundance in order to succeed.
Perhaps Arsenal’s most important bit of transfer business this summer was retaining Monreal, who was reported to be on his way out of the club to Athletic Bilbao.
The 29-year-old’s most impressive performance of the month was against Liverpool – the former Malaga man retained his high standards, defending well throughout the game and making a number of overlapping runs down the left-hand side – and if the Gunners could put the ball in the back of the net, we would be talking about the fantastic assists that the Spaniard provided.
Honourable mention goes to Own Goal, who scored twice during August.
