Mathieu Flamini has lavished praise on Arsenal teammate Francis Coquelin for his impact during his breakthrough season at the Emirates Stadium.

Coquelin has emerged as a fans' favourite after becoming a mainstay in the Gunners' midfield since January, after spending November on loan with Charlton Athletic.

The Frenchman has won 17 of the 22 games that he has started since the turn of the year, and Flamini, who has suffered the most from the 24-year-old's form, admits that he can have no complaints over his reduced game time.

"If you look at the stats we nearly won every single game since February," Flamini, also a defensive midfielder, told the club's official website. "It's a situation I accept. Competition makes you better, but there's not much to say when the team is winning every single game.

"You just have to accept it and it's part of the game. We all knew Francis was a great player and I'm really pleased for him because he had the chance to prove it. Now he has been doing very well since he played for the team.

"I'm not surprised because we have the chance to play with him every day, but I'm really pleased with him."

Coquelin is expected to start Saturday's FA Cup final with Aston Villa at Wembley.