5 players who don't deserve to be at Arsenal anymore

#4 Francis Coquelin

Francis Coquelin has been caught out one too many times

Once seen as a fine holding midfielder who could also cover in defence if needed, it’s become painfully clear over recent seasons that if Arsenal really want to make it back up to the top of the Premier League, Francis Coquelin probably isn’t good enough to warrant a starting spot.

Despite performing well at times and endearing himself to some of the Gunners fans with his spirit, he’s also come under a lot of criticism at times too.

The critics tend to point out that as a holding midfielder, Coquelin simply gets caught out too often, particularly by the higher-level teams. His tendency to over-stretch himself and lose possession in key areas has always been an issue, and he certainly isn’t the best creative talent as some of his dodgy through-balls would attest.

The likes of Charlie Nicholas have lambasted him as a squad player at best and simply not good enough for Arsenal, and some of the stats would back that up – such as his painful showing at Chelsea last season that saw him lose 6 tackles and win zero interceptions.

With the other top Premier League teams using top-class holding midfielders like Nemanja Matic, Fernandinho, Eric Dier and N’Golo Kante – and even lower teams in the league having great players in that position such as Nathaniel Chalobah – can Arsenal really afford to still be using Coquelin?

Probably not, and so it’s time for Wenger to move the Frenchman on and look for an upgrade in his position.