Coquelin - Gap between leagues shrinking

By Lloyd Webb

Francis Coquelin says the difference in quality between Premier League and Championship sides is shrinking.

The midfielder has experienced both divisions and enjoyed a brief loan spell at Charlton Athletic before returning to Arsenal and establishing himself as a key player.

Coquelin could potentially be involved in the FA Cup fixture against Hull City on Saturday and the midfielder says teams in the Championship have progressed.

“I think there are more and more teams in the Championships that are trying to play football rather than long-ball football,” he told Arsenal Player. "I think they are getting closer to the Premier League and you can see there are a lot of teams who deserve to be in the Premier League.

“You can see it is difficult for the teams that go down for them to get back promoted. Hull City are playing really well in the Championship so it is going to be a tough one."

Coquelin made five appearances for Charlton in 2014 and he says the London based club gave him the taste for regular football again.

“Every time I got the chance to say a little word about Charlton, I’m doing it because I had a great time over there,” he said. "I met great people there.

"They gave me a little taste of playing football again, week in and week out. It was great for me. I got a lot of experience and all the lads and staff were great with me. It was a terrific experience for me and I came back here much stronger.”