Sunday, 28th December, 2014
Arsene Wenger admits that Francis Coquelin's performance against West Ham brought a smile to his face.
The French midfielder was sent on loan to Charlton Athletic in the Championship earlier this year, but was recalled recently amid mounting injury problems at the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger threw Coquelin into the cut and thrust of a London derby against West Ham today, being delighted with the midfielder's contribution to the 2-1 victory.
"He played very well, especially in the first half", Wenger explained at his post-match press conference.
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"He was very influential and then in the second half he fatigued a bit in the last 20 minutes, but he had a very good performance not only defensively but he also passed quickly, sharply and through the lines.
"Overall he had a convincing performance."
The Arsenal boss also admitted concerns about the threat posed by Andy Carroll prompted him to field the midfielder.
"It was a gamble, but I felt that we needed to protect with two players in front of the defence with Carroll on the long balls – we needed a bit of protection. I feel that he was the right choice."
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