Arsenal: Is The Francis Coquelin Magic Wearing Off?

Francis Coquelin rejuvenated the Arsenal team two years ago. This season, though, he has not played to the same level. Is the magic wearing off?

A little over two years ago, Arsenal were struggling with injuries, predictably, and Arsene Wenger was called into desperate measures. The central midfield options were decimated and Wenger was forced to recall a maligned youngster to anchor one of the most crucial positions on the park.

Related Story: 30 Greatest Transfers In Past 30 Years

Francis Coquelin returned from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic and was reinstated into the starting lineup over the festive period. He partnered with Santi Cazorla for much of his early time and enjoyed great success in doing so, bringing a grittiness and a physicality to the midfield that had been missing for many years.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

For the next 18 months, Coquelin quickly established himself as one of the most accomplished defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He had an excellent reading of the game, was strong in the tackle and made numerous interceptions consistently. Moreover, he was hugely different to the typically slighter, more technical midfielders, the perfect compliment to the likes of Cazorla and Mesut Ozil.

Nonetheless, this season, Coquelin’s shortcomings have been exposed. Although he still excels defensively, teams are now happy for him to have the ball at his feet, knowing that Arsenal’s attacking potency will be stinted thanks to Coquelin’s inconsistent and inaccurate distribution. Such problems have resulted in a rather alarming stat.

That is amazing. Moreover, contrast that Cazorla’s win percentage when he is in or out of the side: since August 2014, Arsenal have won 65.5% games with him in the team and only 38.9% without the Spaniard; and it is an even more worrying trend.

I must state that I am a fan of Coquelin’s abilities, especially given the notorious weaknesses of the Arsenal side under Wenger. However, against Chelsea, he was exposed, both by Eden Hazard for the second goal, by Antonio Conte when he had possession and in comparison to the outstanding N’Golo Kante.

Next: Arsene Wenger's Best Starting XI

Coquelin is a good player. He has his shortcomings and his issues, but he is nonetheless an adept Premier League midfielder. But the magic of his early success is wearing off and if the Gunners want to win the league, Coquelin may not be the anchor they need.