Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin confessed that he didn’t expect to feature so much for the Gunners in this first part of the season.

Impressive against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hard Lane, the Frenchman told Arsenal Player that the game lost against the Red Devils was hard to take but how his objective after the defeat was to keep his focus, work hard in training and wait for manage Arsene Wenger to give him another chance.

Asked about the healthy competition going on in midfield with Emmanuel Frimpong, the 20-year old started by saying that there are no problems between the two as they are two friends who spent a lot of time in the Arsenal academy.

And on how different they are from each other, Coquelin concluded by saying that the Ghanaian is stronger, likes to chase the opposition and is very good in winning the ball whilst he is more technical and better on the ball.

On Monday, Coquelin said:

[If I expected to play such a big role this season?] No, I didn’t expect to play that much at the beginning at the season.

I came back from the World Cup as well and played straight against Manchester United, a hard game.

We lost 8-2 but I had to keep going, keep training hard, I got another chance in Carling Cup, I grabbed it and I’ve think I’ve done quite well.

Then the game against Tottenham, another tough game but you know, always pleased to play so I’ll keep training hard and hopefully get more games.

[The competition with Emmanuel Frimpong?] First of all, there’s no problem between him and me, we’re really good friends.

We both want to play, but there’s no problem between us. The difference? I’d say he’s more physical than me, he can chase around, is strong in the challenge, can recoup the ball really quickly.

I’d say I’m a bit more technical. No offense to him but I’d say I’m a bit more technical than him.

[If we can play together?] I don’t know, it’s up to the manager. Obviously, I would be really pleased to play with Manu because we’ve been through since I came to Arsenal.

It was really great to play with him against Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup, it reminded me of the youth cup as well.

But yeah, I think it may happen but I don’t know when, you have to ask the manager.