Francis Coquelin's performance at the base of the Arsenal midfield in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton was the Premier League display best in his position in over seven years, according to Premier League statistics.
The Frenchman made 13 interceptions from Everton players in the victory, a tally not bettered since Opta statistics began measuring such events in 2006.
Only Sean Davis has equalled the tally in the top flight, completing 13 for Portsmouth in February 2009 as they defeated Manchester City 2-0.
Prior to Saturday the most interceptions Coquelin had ever achieved in a Premier League match was nine in a win away to Burnley last season.
| Date | Player | Interceptions | Team | Opp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/2/09 | Sean Davis | 13 | Portsmouth | Man City |
| 19/3/16 | Francis Coquelin | 13 | Arsenal | Everton |
| 20/10/07 | Mehdi Nafti | 12 | Birmingham | Man City |
| 20/4/08 | Liam Miller | 12 | Sunderland | Newcastle |
| 21/1/12 | Yohan Cabaye | 12 | Newcastle | Fulham |
| 19/3/16 | Idrissa Gueye | 12 | Aston Villa | Swansea |
A burgeoning partnership with Mohamed Elneny has seen Coquelin's performances dramatically improve in recent weeks, with the notable exception of his sending-off in the drawn north London derby.
Their combination impressed former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who said after the match on BT Sport: "I liked Elneny and Coquelin because it seems like Elneny’s got the licence to just drift and go forwards.
"Coquelin stays back and keeps it all solid, as much as Everton couldn't get through it was because of those two as well."