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Coquelin - Why I’m enjoying being back

Francis Coquelin says he is relishing playing regularly for Arsenal.

The French midfielder has featured in each of the Gunners’ last four games, and made his first Premier League start since January 2013 in the 2-1 victory at West Ham United on Sunday.

"It’s been a long time for me without [starting] in the Premier League, but I think the loan at Charlton was very good for me and helped me a lot"

Coquelin was recalled from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in mid-December, and feels his temporary move to the Valley was a beneficial one.

“It’s been a long time for me without [starting] in the Premier League, but I think the loan at Charlton was very good for me and helped me a lot,” he told Arsenal Player. “I got a lot of games under my belt, and I’d like to thank Charlton for that.

“Now I’m back here and I tried to give 100 per cent to help the team. We won [against West Ham], so it was a good performance.

“I’m happy to be here and to get minutes. Today was my first start and we got a win, so now we’ll just move on to the next one and see what happens.”

Coquelin produced a typically industrious performance in the victory at Upton Park, and was proud of the team’s character.

“I think everyone is happy to win this game,” he added. “It was a tough one - we played against a good West Ham side and after the win on Boxing Day, I think it was important to win today as well.

“As soon as they play [Andy] Carroll up front, you know it’s going to be a battle with a lot of headers and challenges. I think we coped with it quite well and scored those quick two goals, which hurt them.

“We conceded early in the second half but I think the whole team fought very well and we’re really pleased to get the three points out of it.

“Now we’ve got to move on to Southampton and hopefully we can get nine points out of three games [over the festive period].”

Francis Coquelin battles for possession

Francis Coquelin battles for possession

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