Coquelin relishing enforcer role for Gunners

Francis Coquelin (left) holds back team-mate Danny Welbeck as he shows his frustration towards referee Martin Atkinson at half-time during the Barclays Premier League match at White Hart Lane on Saturday February 8.

Arsenal’s new midfield enforcer Francis Coquelin will have no problem reining in their attack-minded big-name stars if it means keeping the team into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

The Gunners moved back above Tottenham and Manchester United, who host Burnley on Wednesday evening, with an edgy 2-1 victory over bottom club Leicester, which saw both Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez pick up injuries.

It was far from an all-conquering display by Arsene Wenger’s men as they aimed to recover from defeat in the north London derby, but they looked comfortable leading 2-0 at half-time before allowing a spirited comeback from the Foxes.

Nevertheless, Coquelin, who returned from a loan spell at Charlton to help steer the team to a battling win at Manchester City last month, insists when the likes of Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Sanchez are all marauding forwards, someone has to keep the balance of the team dynamic in check.

Asked if he would have any problems with telling the forwards to track back, the Frenchman said: “If it needs to be said, I am the one who is saying it. Everyone can tell each other off, so that is a good thing.

“We are all fighting for each other and the spirit is good in the team, so everyone can say what they think.”

Coquelin, who has just signed a contract extension, added: “With every player we have got going forward, you need a man with a defensive mind as well.

“If I can give the team a good balance – because we have got quite a few players going forward – hopefully we can get back to keeping clean sheets soon.

“The most important thing is for us to get into the top four next season.

“It is going to be hard for us to win the title as Chelsea are quite far ahead, (but) if we stay consistent and keep winning games, you never know what can happen.”

Coquelin graduated through the Arsenal Academy, but was then sent out on loan to first Freiburg and Lorient before his spell at The Valley was cut short following injuries in the Gunners’ midfield.

The no-nonsense performances of the 23-year-old over the past few weeks have drawn great praise.

“I always had confidence in myself, so I knew I could do big things,” Coquelin said.

“Arsenal are a big club with quality players so when you get a chance you have to take it and show what you can do.

“It took a bit of time for me, but in the end I got my chance and I am just trying to do my best for the team.”