Twitter was full of praise for Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin on Sunday evening as the Gunners de-railed Manchester City’s title bid.
23-year-old Coquelin was aggressive and efficient in front of the Arsenal back four, helping them to a clean sheet at the Etihad – a ground where The Gunners conceded 6 last season.
Francis Coquelin was playing for Charlton a month ago, but Arsene Wenger opted to re-call him because of injuries to Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta. Coquelin has since started every game, and impressed in each outing. It is now popular belief that he is the best option Arsenal have in that defensive midfield position.
Coquelin has featured previously for the Arsenal first team, but he has never been given an extended run in his favoured defensive midfield role. His patience is now being rewarded and he is certainly making a name for himself. Some Arsenal fans compared his performance against Manchester City to that of the great Gilberto Silva. What’s great about Coquelin is he does the job he has been asked to do, that’s exactly what Arsenal need against the big teams especially.
Francis Coquelin: 100% tackle success, 88% aerial duels, 5 interceptions, 6 interceptions, 11 clearances, 87% passing pic.twitter.com/OWjz6RfN6Q
— Fresh Arsenal (@Fresh_Arsenal) January 18, 2015
Francis Coquelin = Gilberto Silva. Now time to find Vierra
— #Malawian Werey# (@iam_spyral) January 19, 2015
Coquelin.
Solid, passionate grown up. It was like watching Gilberto. Still a long way to go but his making the right steps. Unintimidated!
— AFC GLEN (@AFC_GLEN) January 19, 2015
Coquelin worked his socks off yesterday. You could just see him everywhere on the pitch. So happy for him. He proved himself yesterday.
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) January 19, 2015
Coquelin spent last season playjng left mid in the Bundesliga, 5 games at Charlton and he's come back as Jason Bourne
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) January 18, 2015
I hope Coquelin gets a new contract tomorrow.
— Arsenal (@OneLilChilean) January 18, 2015
Coquelin did Gilberto proud today. #motd
— Sam (@samuelJayC) January 18, 2015
Coquelin what a man!
— Arsenal (@ArsenalsRelated) January 18, 2015
