Laurent Koscielny was once again brilliant for Arsenal against Stoke. Admittedly he wasn’t tested much defensively, but the Frenchman helped stop any threat that the visitors offered going forward, whilst also getting on the scoresheet himself.
Before kick-off Sky Sports showed some stats which highlighted Koscielny’s importance to the Arsenal defence. The stats suggested that since August 2013, Arsenal have a 70% win percentage when he plays 90 minutes, compared to just 33% without him. That’s a significant statistic. They also pointed out with Koscielny playing the full game Arsenal have only conceded 3 or more goals on 1 occasions. The game proceeding these statistics saw Koscielny score and help the Gunners to another clean sheet. Can he be considered world class with these stats? The Arsenal fans think so.
To cure the Gunners defensive woes, the key thing will be to keep their star defender fit. Here’s how the fans reacted to Koscielny’s performance
Since 2013, Arsenal have won 70% of their games when Laurent Koscielny has played the full 90 minutes. Vital. pic.twitter.com/QYJhxyUOS5
— Michael Gooner (@MickTheGooner) January 12, 2015
70% win rate with Koscielny since August 2013. 33% without him in that time. He really is a world class defender.
— Dan (@ArsenaIDan) January 12, 2015
Koscielny is that world-class CB Arsenal fans have been craving for years. We just need another to partner him. Per isn't up to it anymore.
— Aidan (@LegitCake) January 11, 2015
Koscielny again making our defense look quality.
— Hassan (@Hassanchez_) January 11, 2015
Koscielny is world class…To all your naysayers pic.twitter.com/ww6Yypd9kP
— MiaSanArsenal (@DekaDMichael11) January 11, 2015
When you consider the shortage of top-quality centre-backs at the moment, what a find Koscielny was, out of nowhere! Well played, Arsene!
— Adam (@AR_MESSY) January 11, 2015
Look, it's very simple. If you don't think Koscielny is world class, you have to change sports
— Jubz (@TheWengerWay) January 11, 2015
Wenger on Koscielny: "His individual quality is huge. He is a top class defender." #AFC
— Fouad AFC (@FouadAFC) December 30, 2014