Coquelin: In-form Walcott close to unstoppable

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin claims Theo Walcott is “not far off being unstoppable” when he is on form.

Walcott has claimed two goals and three assists in his last three matches, with his performance against Manchester United on Sunday earning him a place in our weekend winners list.

“It was not only offensively (his best game) – what he did defensively was absolutely amazing too,” said Coquelin.

“He was chasing the ball, which makes things easier for us at the back.

“When he is in this kind of mood he is not far off being unstoppable, and he [has shown] everyone he can play in this role up front.”

The Frenchman also feels the impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United shows Arsenal were right to believe they are genuine contenders for the title.

The Gunners blew the Red Devils away with a blistering start which saw them 3-0 up at the Emirates Stadium inside 20 minutes, their opening two goals coming within 74 seconds of each other.

It was the perfect response following questions over the direction of Arsene Wenger’s side in the wake of a home Champions League defeat by Olympiacos.

The players held a private meeting before the match against United, who had gone into the encounter looking to reinstate themselves at the top of the table but ended the weekend down in third place.

Coquelin reckons the collective efforts shown in sweeping aside Louis van Gaal’s team displayed the needed character to mount a sustained assault on the championship.

“We knew we had to put it right after Olympiacos and that is what we have done. A lot of people didn’t expect us to win, but we proved a lot of people wrong,” said the Frenchman, who has now become an integral member of the team, protecting the back four.

“Inside the dressing room we knew we could do good things this season, that we knew we could be contenders. But obviously we have to be consistent.

“The most important thing is to carry on now and keep getting the results.”