Wenger explains Coq, Elneny, Ramsey selection

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger has explained his reasoning behind starting Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny and Aaron Ramsey against Manchester United.

Arsenal laboured to a 1-1 draw against United on Saturday, with substitute Olivier Giroud scoring a last-gasp equaliser to cancel out Juan Mata’s opener.

The Gunners were largely abject throughout the clash at Old Trafford, but a point keeps them in the Premier League title race after 12 games.

Wenger’s starting line-up for the game has been questioned in the aftermath, with a central midfield of Coquelin and Elneny offering tackles galore but little drive and creativity.

Ramsey was also poor on the left-wing – and 16 Conclusions was not impressed whatsoever – but his manager has defended the selection.

“I knew it would be a bit more of a physical battle so I chose players who have experience and fight,” said Wenger.

“That’s why my selection was because of that. At the end of the day, everyone gave their maximum and there is a special spirit in the squad.

“That’s why we came back, because the players who came on made the difference. That’s remarkable.”