The Arsenal midfielder was active in the final third during the draw with Middlesbrough.
Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin in action with Middlesbrough’s Marten de Roon
It is fair to say that the weekend proved to be a frustrating one for Arsenal as they drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough.
The Gunners had headed into the game on the back of six successive wins in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin acknowledges fans after the game
They were unable to overcome Aitor Karanka’s team, though, despite enjoying 75% of the possession and registering ten shots throughout.
It was a particularly frustrating afternoon for their midfielders, with the absence of Santi Cazorla in the centre of the park meaning Arsene Wenger’s side were not at their creative best.
However, it seems one man had a good afternoon and that was Francis Coquelin as he dominated the Premier League stats in one area.
| Team | Successful Final Third Passes | |
|---|---|---|
| Francis Coquelin | Arsenal | 39 |
| Mohamed Elneny | Arsenal | 36 |
| Mark Noble | West Ham | 34 |
The Frenchman posted 39 successful passes in the final third against Middlesbrough, the most of any player in all of the games over the weekend.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson in action with Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin
His closest competitor was teammate Mohamed Elneny, who managed a tally of 36, while West Ham United’s Mark Noble was behind him on 34.
That is an impressive number from Coquelin, who is more regarded for his ability in the defensive third than the offensive one but showed with these stats that there may be more to him than just tough tackles.
Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin applauds fans after the game
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