The view from France: Why are Monaco scoring so many goals?

It was February 2015.

The Emirates Stadium was bubbling with optimism as Per Mertesacker led out Arsenal for their Champions League last 16 clash with Monaco. Finally, a kind draw and a chance to banish memories from a succession of harrowing exits.

Two hours later, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco was wheeling away in jubilation after sealing a shock 3-1 win for the French side. Boos were quickly replaced with calls for Arsene Wenger's head. Another European elimination swiftly followed.

It was September 2016.

Tottenham were preparing to christen their temporary home, Wembley Stadium, with a straight-forward win. Monaco were in town, the first of three victims in Spurs’ inevitable passage through Group E.

It all went wrong. Leonardo Jardim's side struck twice in the opening 31 minutes as Spurs' return to Europe's top competition started - and ended - in nightmare fashion. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were soon bundled into the Europa League, where they're now scrapping to stay in the competition against unknown Gent.

Monaco's latest bid to derail Premier League opposition arrives on Tuesday as they travel to Manchester City for the first leg of their last 16 tie. And, ominously for Pep Guardiola's side, this time they are actually fancied after a stunning campaign.

“Like a spectator, it is so nice to see them,” Pep Guardiola told reporters. “I am really impressed how good they are - physical, strong.

“The full-backs play like wingers, the wingers play like attacking midfielders. The two strikers are fighters and in the box - Falcao, Germain - they are killers.

Vincent Bregevin (Eurosport France): "Monaco didn’t lose any big players last summer, with the exception of Jeremy Toulalan, and improved their defence with the acquisitions of Kamil Glik, Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Mendy. They lacked a decent centre-forward last season, but Valere Germain (on loan at Nice in 2015-16) and the return of Radamel Falcao’s fitness has really helped.

"The majority of the group have grown together over the last two to three years – and that plays a big role in their collective force. The team is well-balanced, thanks to the Bakayoko-Fabinho combination in midfield. Their project is to develop young players, and they made a great job of signing promising players, some for the present (Thomas Lemar and Bernardo Silva) and some for the future (Kylian Mbappe). Overall, they have a complete, talented and young team. That makes them strong."

Vincent Bregevin: "Credit belongs first to manager Leonardo Jardim as he plays a 4-4-2 system with two forwards (Germain-Falcao) and two offensive midfielders on the wings (Lemar-Bernardo Silva). Beside this, there is the big offensive role played by the full backs (Sidibe and Mendy) who use the wings. That allows Silva and Lemar to play more centrally where they are really dangerous. Tactically, it’s an attacking team. And the skills of their offensive players make it work and explains why they score so many goals."

Vincent Bregevin: "Falcao is not too far from his peak, Lemar is very talented too, but the one who impresses me the most is Bernardo Silva. He makes a huge difference with the ball, creating spaces in the defence, while he’s an inspired passer and has got a good instinct in front of goal. He showed it earlier in the season against Tottenham, and he’s up there with the best players in Ligue 1 this season. City, beware."

Vincent Bregevin: "Monaco can become nervous if things don’t go according to plan. This happened when they lost against Lyon in December. Also, they don’t always defend well from set-pieces. And finally, given it’s a young team, they lack Champions League experience in big games. City have a clear edge there."

Vincent Bregevin: "Yes. They’ve played at a high level this season, beyond Manchester City in my opinion. Given Monaco fares well against England's teams usually, I won’t be surprised if they qualify."