Arsenal’s Reserves boast an impressive 6 game unbeaten run in Reserves League South, and despite their almost perfect form in the closing stages of last season, Neil Banfield has added to his squad this summer, with his sole acquisition set for a vital role in the battle for the title.
Banfield admits every year his aim to try and win the League crown, but Arsenal frequently fall short of the high standards set by the more experienced outfits. However, this year the key names in the Gunners ranks boast that experience – gained whilst on loan, as well as French midfielder Francis Coquelin.
Fran Mérida, Mark Randall, Kieran Gibbs and Jay Simpson all profited from time out on loan in the lower leagues, and all four are expected to start at Underhill on Monday against Chelsea. But it’s 17-year-old Coquelin who will attract the most interest, with fans being given only a brief taster of what the ‘explosive’ Frenchman is all about over pre-season.
James Dunne established himself as the holding midfielder last term, but his poor temperament led to two red cards off at crucial stages of the season. Francis will be in direct competition with Dunne – who is in the final year of his contract – and it seems only a matter of time before the former Laval midfielder takes over in the central engine room.
A small groin problem saw him miss out during the closing stages of pre-season, but Francis has since come through a training game with Arsenal, and has just arrived back in London following three days of intensive work outs with the French Under 17 team. Whilst there he featured strongly as they beat the Under 19’s 2-1, and is back to his full physical peak.
Mark Randall has partnered Fran Mérida in recent weeks, but Coquelin has not been available. Banfield will have some tough decisions to make on Monday, does he opt for two classy play-makers against a strong Chelsea side?, or bring in Francis who can protect the back four and break up the play?.
One thing is for certain – Francis Coquelin will play a huge part in the campaign, and could prove the tipping point in helping secure the illusive Reserves title. Arsène Wenger has handed the starlet the number 35 shirt for the season, meaning impressive form for the second string could warrant Carling Cup football.
Article By – J.Sanderson
thats kwl, but seriously he is too good for reserve football.
lots of our players are too good for reserve football but they cant get a first team game so they better get used to it!
He has only done well against two average sides, he has done very well so far but it’s Reserves football where he can adapt to the League.
If Coquelin turns out to be the real deal, then a midfield pair of Coquelin and Merida could be the envy of several Premiership clubs, let alone Championship.
yeah true but all he played better than most of our other players in thos average games.
He did look good in his limited minutes during preseason. Although i though he still needs to bulk up a bit. A season starring for the reserves will be good for him
i like the look of him….
cant wait until he develops more…..then he cant step up into the first team
This kid will be great for us, I hope he gets a few minutes during carling cup this season :D
Who is to old to play U18 football this season? Simpson and…?
Cut-throat business this reserve team football so James Dunne is already out then?
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Dunne is on the bench tonight, Coquelin will get his chance. It’s up to him now to keep the shirt.
Sanderson, could you please answer? Who is too old for the U18 this season besides Simpson from the reserves? Rodgers? Randall? More?