LB- Nacho Monreal
Down the years, there have several underrated left-backs that have graced this fixture. Denis Irwin and Nigel Winterburn spring to mind. The Spaniard can add his name to that list, having done a wonderful job for his side this year. His only goal of the season came in the FA Cup tie between the two sides in March.
DM- Francis Coquelin
No player has been more important to the ruthless, winning style that Arsenal adopted for much of the latter part of the season. Their usually shaky back four have been given plenty of support by the terrier that sits just in front, and makes life very difficult for opposition attackers. He has given the Gunners a spine that they have lacked in the past, which allows their flair players to impose themselves further forward.
DM- Santi Cazorla
With Coquelin alongside him, Cazorla has been given the freedom to pull the strings from a slightly deeper role than he was previously accustomed to. The ball appears glued to his feet, and his passing is exquisite.
AM- Alexis Sanchez
There was always a fear that the large amount of money spent on a man that struggled to establish himself in the Barcelona side would be a risk. However, Sanchez has been Arsenal’s best player this season. He has produced 16 goals in the Premier League, and has drawn comparisons with Thierry Henry’s opening year at Highbury.
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