Arsene Wenger – This was why Francis Coquelin started for Arsenal against Man City

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that a double defensive blow made him play Frenchman Francis Coquelin at centre-back in a 3-4-2-1 setup against Premier League rivals Manchester City on November 5.

The Gunners lost 3-1 to City and Wenger’s midfield selection was one that was heavily criticized after the match as he did look lost during the course of his 56 cameo on the field.

Arsene Wenger is without Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi, who is currently injured and will only be fit again after the international break. The French tactician had used either ageing German Per Mertesacker or English Rob Holding at centre-back recently alongside France International defender Laurent Koscielny and full-back Nacho Monreal, while Egyptian Mohamed Elneny has been used for matches in the UEFA Europa League and the Carabao Cup.

Francis Coquelin did not cover himself in glory playing that role in the first-half and was pulled out after 56 minutes for France international striker Alexandre Lacazette as the Gunners returned to a back four setup for the remainder of the match. Arsene Wenger has since said that an injury to Rob Holding and Per Mertesacker falling sick were the main reasons for the sudden change.

The Gunners fourth defeat of the League season sees their Premier League title hopes all but blown away as they are 12 points behind Manchester City.