Jamie Redknapp reacts to Nacho Monreal’s display in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea
The former Spurs midfielder heaps praise on Nacho Monreal for his role in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea to seal their place in League Cup final
Jamie Redknapp praised Nacho Monreal’s desire in the lead up to Arsenal’s opening goal following Wednesday night’s 2-1 win against Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final.
The Spanish defender has been Arsenal’s most consistent defender in an otherwise disappointing season for Arsene Wenger’s back four so far this term.
Monreal was on the score sheet at the weekend in the north London side’s 4-1 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
And the 31-year-old played a big role in Arsenal’s opening goal after his header deflected off Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger before finding its way past Willy Caballero in the Chelsea goal.
Chelsea forward Eden Hazard had broken the deadlock in the seventh minute before Monreal’s deflected equaliser to give the Gunners a foothold in the semi-final clash.
Switzerland international Granit Xhaka netted a second-half winner courtesy of another deflected goal.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Redknapp was impressed with Monreal’s contribution to Arsenal’s close-fought win.
“It’s a freak goal but Monreal is fantastic,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“He’s not the biggest in the world, he attacks the ball and has got that desire to win it. That makes a big difference.”
Arsenal will take on Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley as the Gunners look to beat the Citizens at the home of English football in successive seasons.
The north London side have never won the competition under Arsene Wenger.
