Spanish full-back Nacho Monreal has been a dominant figure in the Arsenal defense all season, so much that the 30-year-old has featured in 27 of their 28 games in the English Premier League.
And with star center-back Laurent Koscielny ruled out of Saturday’s all-important, fans would be forgiven for putting all their hopes on the former Malaga defender to shine at the heart of the defense.
However, supporters were shocked when the north London giants announced the starting eleven for the clash with Tottenham, with Monreal being dropped to the bench in favor of Kieran Gibbs.
Another look at Arsenal's starting XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs, Elneny, Coquelin, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Welbeck
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 5, 2016
The English left-back has only made two starts this entire season, making 11 appearances off the bench, yet will be tasked with keeping Mauricio Pochettino’s in-form crew at bay.
Fans were not too pleased; other couldn’t help but laugh at the grave situation facing Arsenal, with many throwing in the towel for the weekend clash. Check out the best tweets.
Agree with removing Ramsey from the middle and playing 2 DM's. But don't agree with playing Ramsey on the wing and starting Gibbs
— Memz Dogi (@Memz_Dogi) March 5, 2016
Surprised to see Gibbs. But then again, he did OK in the last derby... pic.twitter.com/lkNah2GqL4
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) March 5, 2016
You can tell Gibbs and Gabriel have never ever had a conversation about anything ever.
— Monreal FC (@NorthBankBen) March 5, 2016
I understand the changes, just not why Gibbs is starting over Monreal.
— wilshere_team10 (@wilshere_team10) March 5, 2016
WHY IS GIBBS STARTING AHEAD OF NACHO?????
— Ana HUEHUEHUE (@Goonerette_7) March 5, 2016
Ramsey on the right AT LAST!
— Kris Carpenter (@AFCfreddie8) March 5, 2016
Huge test for Elneny & Gibbs back!
Bold choices!
Let's do this!#AFC
GIBBS AJAHAHAAHAH WE WANT TO LOSE THIS
— Max/Mgc (@MGCFifaHD) March 5, 2016
Gibbs has done well in the last few appearances he's had. Still a blow to lose Nacho, but not as big a blow as Cech, for example.
— SuburbanGöönerChris (@SuburbanGooner) March 5, 2016
After all hell broke loose, James Olley of the London Evening Standard shed some light on why Monreal was benched, claiming that a calf problem and fatigue made him unfit to start.
Monreal has a slight calf problem. More fatigue than anything else. Still fit enough for the #afc bench.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) March 5, 2016
It should be noted that in the last North London Derby in the Premier League, Kieran Gibbs came off the bench to score against Spurs and rescue a point for Arsenal.
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