Tottenham legend issues warning to Kieran Gibbs over Arsenal defender

Garth Crooks has heaped praise on Nacho Monreal’s performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday evening.

The Spanish defender started at left-back as the Gunners eased to three points thanks to Alexis Sanchez’s second-half hat-trick.

Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also got on the score sheet against their local rivals at the London Stadium in Saturday’s derby.

However, Crooks was particularly impressed with Monreal’s performance amid competition from Kieran Gibbs for a place at left-back after the former Malaga man’s intense performance.

“Monreal defended with the same intensity as he attacked and snuffed out the dangerous Manuel Lanzini during the early encounters,” Crooks told BBC Sport.

“I have never been totally convinced by Monreal’s overall performance for the Gunners, but against West Ham he looked like a man with a point to prove. Take note, Kieran Gibbs.”

Arsenal hoisted themselves above Liverpool and into second place in the Premier League table thanks to their 5-1 win against West Ham.

The Gunners are three points behind leaders Chelsea after 14 Premier League games ahead of their home game against Stoke City on Sunday.

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The north London outfit finished in second place in the table last season but 10 points behind Premier League champions Leicester City.

Arsenal signed five players in the summer transfer window as Arsene Wenger looks to transform his Gunners squad into title winners.