Reflecting upon the competition for places in the Arsenal first team, Mathieu Flamini has said that he accepts the situation as it pushes players to perform better.

The emergence of Francis Coquelin as a solid defensive midfielder has seen Flamini’s appearances reduced in the Gunners’ starting line-up. The 24-year-old has been a constant presence in the Arsenal’s first team since his return to the Emirates Stadium in December following his loan stint with Championship outfit Charlton Athletic.




His return to the Emirates has coincided with Arsenal’s stupendous run of form in the league which has seen them finish third in the table and thereby qualify directly for the group stage of the Champions League next season.

However, Flamini is not deterred by the emergence of Coquelin and feels that he will be pushing himself harder in order to earn back his first team spot.
 


“When the team is winning there is not much to say, except working hard and trying to prove every day you can get back in the team”, the 31-year-old told his club’s site.

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“It's a situation I accept.

“Competition makes you better, but there's not much to say when the team is winning every single game.

“You just have to accept it and it's part of the game. I'm looking forward.”

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