Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal team-mate Nacho Monreal following Manchester United strike

MIKEL ARTETA has heaped praise upon Arsenal star Nacho Monreal after the left-back player a vital role in dumping Manchester United out of the FA Cup.

nacho monrealGETTY

Nacho Monreal scored his first goal of the season as Arsenal defeated Man Utd in the FA Cup

The Spaniard grabbed his first goal of the season in the 2-1 quarter-final win at Old Trafford on Monday evening, firing home following a precise build-up in midfield before ex-Red Devil Danny Welbeck helped himself to the winner.

Monreal has plied his trade both on the left and in the heart of defence under Arsene Wenger following a injury-crisis earlier in the campaign, and compatriot Arteta believes that his team-mate has been one of the Gunners' top performers this year.

Amazing Goal Danny Welbeck 1-2 vs Manchester United-Arsenal FA CUP 2015

He took his goal very well and I think he's been one of our most consistent players this season

Mikel Arteta

He told Arsenal's official matchday programme: "He took his goal very well and I think he's been one of our most consistent players this season.

"You know what you are going to get when he's playing - he's very focused, very determined in every action and he was in the right place at the right time on Monday. It was a cool finish.

"Everyone was happy for him because he's such a great guy. He's always in a good mood, his English is getting better but it's funny sometimes the way he talks!"

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