Arsenal v Everton: 5 Things We Learned

5. Francis Coquelin’s discipline is improving

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One of the main problems with Francis Coquelin when he first came back to Arsenal was his disciplinary record. The French enforcer picked up yellow cards every single game and it left him in a pickle. He had no control to turn it down and it would often come back to bite Arsenal, as his intensity would be shot if he had a yellow to his name.

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Over the course of last season, it improved. He went from a card every game to a card every fifth or so game. It was a drastic improvement. But he still was not able to play with the same effectiveness with a  yellow card. But then again, who is?

Against Everton, Coquelin picked up a questionable yellow card very early. In the 25th minute, in fact. Immediately, the nerves set in. Arsenal without Francis Coquelin is feeble in the middle of the pitch. But not only did Francis Coquelin not pick up another yellow, but he remained effective.

Le Coq has learned how to turn it down a notch while still being able to lay down the law. That is incredibly settling to see.

Next: Number 4