Francis Coquelin was recalled from loan as an emergency measure.
But, since his return, the French midfielder has really grabbed his opportunity and moved himself ahead of his more senior colleague, Mathieu Flamini, in the squad.
Close to a new deal that will keep him at the club, Coquelin has shown that despite numerous loan spells, there is always a chance to make a career at Arsenal if you are willing to put in the work and keep your head straight.
Speaking to the matchday programme, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made his senior debut on the same day as Le Coq at Old Trafford, has revealed how highly thought-off the enforcer is and how he can important for the side in the future.
The Ox said
“He’s been really patient and I’m sure there’s been tough times for him since he’s been at the club.
“I know everyone here has always known what a talent he’s been, it’s just been a case of the numbers and the type of personnel that we’ve had. It can be hard.
“As a young lad, sometimes you do feel the wrong end of that and those are the times when some people need to go out on loan to find their way.
“He’s been abroad and in the Championship but he’s never lost his quality and sometimes it’s all about luck and opportunities.
“Since he’s come back, he’s taken his opportunities, he’s taken his chances to show how good he is and now I see him as a big part of our team. He is a really influential and key part to our success, especially at Manchester City.
“In recent weeks we’ve seen it but the Manchester City game really showed how important he is and how good he is. Hopefully that will continue for him because it’s good for us as well.”
With Mikel Arteta out with an ankle injury for the foreseeable future and Flamini’s pointing and shouting not quite cutting it this season, it seems as if the DM role is Coquelin’s to claim should he so desire.
Going on what we’ve already seen, he desires it very much.