1 Francis Coquelin

Dietmar Hamann has told talkSPORT Arsenal could win the Premier League title this season – if Francis Coquelin reproduces his form of last term.

The 24-year-old midfielder emerged as a key man for Arsene Wenger’s side, and the former German international feels he will have a vital role to play once again.

He told the Colin Murray show: “They’ve never really filled the void left by Alex Song and, in Coquelin, a player appeared last year who’s done ever so well.

“He made a huge difference to them, results improved dramatically [when he came into the side], and he gave them that protection in front of the back four.

“He had a massive influence and if he can repeat what he did last season I think they are set fair. With the likes of [Aaron] Ramsey and [Jack] Wilshere going forward they’ve got so much quality and you know they are always going to score goals, so defensively was always the problem with Arsenal.

“Coquelin deserves a big mention. Can he do it again? It remains to be seen but, if he does, they will be a lot closer come the end of the season.

“I expect them to be fewer than five or six points off the Premier League winners, and I think they’ve got a fighting chance to win it.”