This Saturday, Arsene Wenger takes his team back to Wembley for a highly anticipated FA Cup semi-final against Reading.
The last time these two sides met was during that classic League Cup tie 3 years ago, which ended 7-5 to the Gunners after staging a memorable comeback, but there are three Arsenal players who’ll be key to keeping the tide well in favour of the defending Champions.
Francis Coquelin
The young Frenchman’s influence in the base of Arsenal’s midfield has been a key factor in the club’s resurgence this year, and has now become indispensable in the team during the absence of Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal have benefitted profoundly from his commanding presence as the regular holding midfielder, often making more interceptions and tackles then any other player on the field of play. Coquelin made an impressive 11 interceptions out of Arsenal’s 27, during the hard fought win at Burnley.
His efficiency keeps the team ticking over by breaking opposition attacks to win back possession for his team. Coquelin’s alertness allows him to read the game well by positioning himself accordingly, covering any pockets of space to prevent opposition players to pass the ball into.
Amongst all the offensive stars in the squad, Coquelin’s defensive discipline balances the team perfectly. The physical midfield battle in any match is key and I have complete faith in him, that he’ll be at his consistent best this weekend.