10 Things We Learned About Arsenal from FA Community Shield Win over Chelsea
By Josh Sippie
9. Francis Coquelin is Good Enough
Paul Merson came out and said a very silly thing, as reported by the Metro:
"“Arsenal will not win the title with just Coquelin in the defensive midfield role. They’re talking about them putting in a bid for Busquets – that would be a massive signing. Arsenal need an experienced player, especially when you get to the latter stages of the Champions League. You’ve got to remember that Coquelin was on loan last season at Charlton Athletic – now he’s on Arsenal’s team sheet.”"
I’m not going to lie, I was the slightest bit concerned that Coquelin’s magic may have worn off. His tale is still quite the unlikely tale. But it did not. If anything, Francis Coquelin looked even better, and against Chelsea no less.
While the Flying Coq only managed one tackle and three interceptions, he had the highest pass completion percentage of anyone else on the pitch at 89.7%. That was more than Ozil, Cazorla, Fabregas, Hazard, Ramsey, Mourinho or anyone else you want to throw into the equation.
The Coq looked calm, cool and collective on the ball and he displayed the same gumption that we saw all of last year. Paul Merson may be right that Arsenal need a little reinforcement, but to say that Le Coq is not good enough is just plain wrong.
Next: Number 8