Arsenal Vs Norwich: 5 Positives Takeaways From The Disappointment

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2. Mathieu Flamini Can Compensate

I laughed at Arsene Wenger when he said that Arsenal had the tools to compensate with Francis Coquelin’s injury. I laughed even harder when he cited Mathieu Flamini and Calum Chambers as that compensation. But I stand corrected. Last week I said that we learned that Mathieu Flamini is competent at defense. Today, I am saying that he can help us compensate.

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I’m not going crazy. I understand that he is still nowhere near Coquelin’s level. But let’s appreciate what Flamini did. The Frenchman went an entire 90 minutes. He did not pick up a yellow card. He had the second most interceptions on the team with three and he had the most tackles on the team with three. He was tied for second on the entire pitch with two aerials won. He even blocked a shot and added two clearances.

Mathieu Flamini is helping Arsenal compensate. His intensity is so incredibly welcome. I still shudder with fear thinking about Arsenal’s formation without Coquelin but Flamini is calming that shuddering down.

Next up, the number one positive we can take away from an incredibly disappointing draw.

Next: Number 1