Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger backs Francis Coquelin to plug gap in midfield

Arsene Wenger has insisted that Francis Coquelin can help plug the gap in midfield left by Alex Song's departure.

Coquelin started his first match of the season this weekend as the Gunners trounced Southampton 6-1.

Wenger thinks that Coquelin can prove his worth to the first team this season alongside fellow youngster Emmanuel Frimpong.

He told the club's official website: I didn't go on the market because of Coquelin, because of Frimpong, because of Jack Wilshere coming back, who is not far away now.

"Frimpong is joining in now on Monday in full training. Diaby as well, he plays in this position. We have no real defensive midfielder because we all go forward when we have the ball."

Arsenal have made an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, earning two wins and two draws from their opening four matches.