Arsenal: Francis Coquelin Not Justifying His Position’s Relevance

Arsenal just had their titles hopes stamped out – yet again – and we have to start thinking long term. Does Francis Coquelin, or even his position, have a future here?

Arsenal has repeated the same old song for the umpteenth season in a row and, yet again, we are here to ask questions and try to discern how best to move forward. As if our opinions will actually influence things.

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Of the poor performers against Chelsea, Francis Coquelin was up there. I saw him get thrown offof Paul Pogba earlier this year and it hurt me deep down, but seeing Hazard make Le Coq look like a top was emasculating.

I appreciate Francis Coquelin just as much as the next guy and he is a great player to have on the team, but not only is he limited as an individual, but I am even starting to question the relevance of his position at all.

In digging into the Ozil for Isco swap, I stumbled on an idea. Why are we wasting three midfield spaces for inadequacy and inconsistency? Those two holding midfield spots are for controlling the game. Well, if there is no control, then why are we wasting the manpower doing a job that isn’t working?

Coquelin and the Ox did not use their numerical dominance to stand up to Matic and Kante and while the Ox has tremendous promise at a central role, Coquelin is, again, incredibly limited.

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Wenger has openly admitted that defensive midfielders aren’t his thing and I totally see why when they fail like they have now. But the thing is, Arsenal does not have consistent midfield control, minus when Xhaka is out there, and they don’t have consistent midfield push from Ozil.

So there are three midfield positions and not one can claim to be wholly warranted.

Reroute that manpower to the forward positions. Starting two strikers would up the firepower of an often stale attack and, while it would rob from the defensive contribution, it’s not like we are using it anyway.

Those middle two midfield roles can be occupied by workhorses that cover both ends of the ball. That means Granit Xhaka and Jack Wilshere/Isco/Cazorla or someone else. There are options, you don’t have to keep recycling the same ideas hoping you stumble on gold.

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Coquelin is great to have in the squad to shore up the lead at the end of the game, but he isn’t the midfielder that the Gunners need.