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‘Making a big tackle like scoring to me’

Francis Coquelin

By Lloyd Webb

Francis Coquelin says making a good tackle is like scoring a goal to him.

The Frenchman has established himself as a key member of Arsene Wenger’s squad, and has started in all of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far this season.

Coquelin enjoys the defensive side of the game, especially the reaction the fans have when he makes a good challenge.

"I don’t mind not scoring if I can make an interception or a tackle that leads to a goal, I’m happy with that"

Francis Coquelin

“What makes it even better is when you hear the fans clap when you make a great tackle,” he said. “Last week against Stoke there was a big tackle that I made and to hear the fans really buzzing off it … I was very happy.

“To get a goal off that it is like me scoring. I don’t mind not scoring if I can make an interception or a tackle that leads to a goal, I’m happy with that.

“I have only played in the Premier League for eight months so the most important things is to keep doing the right things that I do and maybe score a few goals in the coming weeks.”

Arsenal have beaten Chelsea already this season in the Community Shield, and Coquelin believes this result will have a positive effect on Saturday.

“I think it was really important,” he said. “We had a good pre-season and to beat them at Wembley was a massive lift.

"Now we face them again in the league and we can put them nine points [between them and us]. We know it is going to be tough when you go to Stamford Bridge. It is always a difficult game as they have a great squad.

“We want to carry on doing well and we want the three points.”

Francis Coquelin