Why Francis Coquelin Will Be Key to Success for Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Arsenal go to Manchester United battling the weight of recent history. The Gunners have not beaten United in any of their last seven attempts and have not triumphed at Old Trafford since 2006.

Arsenal fans will be wondering what could make the difference this time around. The answer might well be the presence of a true midfield enforcer in the shape of Francis Coquelin.

A teenage Coquelin actually made his Premier League debut at Old Trafford back in 2011, when an injury crisis saw him thrown into the fray after spending the preceding season on loan with Lorient.

It ought to have been an auspicious occasion for the young midfielder. Unfortunately, it was not a match he’ll remember fondly. Coquelin played 62 minutes in a humiliating 8-2 defeat.

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However, it’s worth noting that when Coquelin went off, the score was just 3-1. Even as a 20-year-old, he offered a measure of protection that Arsenal patently needed. Now, returning to Old Trafford as an established first-team player, Coquelin will be eager for retribution.

He’s a far superior player these days. Although just 23, he is well-travelled and has experience of four different leagues. Coquelin has had loan spells in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and the Championship to help accelerate his development.

Since returning from a brief period with Charlton, he has seized control of his destiny with outstanding performances in an Arsenal shirt.

Nevertheless, even Arsene Wenger has been surprised by scale of the impact Coquelin has made, telling the official Arsenal website:  

"

He was not [in my plans at the start of the season]. I told him to give absolutely everything until Christmas, then we would see together where he was. If you respect that you have done a big part of your job.

On that front I think he has gone through a lot of doubt, questioning himself, certainly at many times being discouraged that he didn’t get a chance. Now that he has a chance he doesn't want to let it slip away. But he is a winner and he wants to win—that's why he is so committed.

"

Coquelin’s value is his dedication to a defined role in the team. He may not be the most gifted player in the Arsenal squad, but he is a specialist. As Wenger puts it:

"

I think he analysed well what he is good at, defending in midfield. He was in between the playmaking position and being a box-to-box player, but he is not that—he's a sitting player who can win the ball.

He restricted his game to that and you make success in life with what you're good at. You don't have all the qualities but you have to express what you're good at and he's good at that.

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It’s a huge boost to Arsenal to finally have someone in the midfield who is dedicated to providing protection for the back four. Unlike one of his predecessors Alex Song, Coquelin does not seem inclined to wander out of position in search of goals and assists. He understands his role and executes it to perfection.

That could be invaluable at Old Trafford. If Arsenal are to progress, they’ll need to produce a similar performance to the one that saw them pick up a landmark win in Manchester against City in January.

Coquelin was integral on that day, ensuring that City could not find space in front of the Arsenal defence.

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He’ll need to do the same to keep the likes of Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney at bay. He may also find himself having to deal with a more physical type of opponent in the form of Marouane Fellaini. 

He’s unlikely to be daunted by that challenge. In Arsenal’s last match against Queens Park Rangers, Coquelin demonstrated his commitment by playing through a broken nose in a protective mask.

Speaking to Arsenal Player (h/t Daily Star), he sounded entirely unfazed: "It was a bit weird with the first couple of headers, because you need to get [the feeling of the mask] out of the way. After that you can get on with the game—everything is fine." 

This is a man who is not easily intimidated. That indomitable spirit will be vital if Arsenal are to secure victory at Old Trafford and reach the FA Cup semi-final.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.