Francis Coquelin let Arsenal down against Tottenham, says Alan Smith

Dejected: Coquelin trudges off the White Hart Lane pitch
Sam Long7 March 2016

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin 'let his team down' after being sent off in Saturday's north London derby, according to Alan Smith.

The Gunners were leading 1-0 and appeared to be closing in on an important victory at White Hart Lane when the French midfielder was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The 24-year-old's challenge on Harry Kane left referee Michael Oliver with little choice but to produce a red card and Smith is adamant Coquelin should not have even attempted such a rash tackle.

"There was simply no need," Smith told the Telegraph.

"Harry Kane was going nowhere on the left touchline when Francis Coquelin dived in to get himself sent off in the second half.

"A game in which Arsenal had worked very hard to go 1-0 up suddenly changed complexion with that rash decision."

Tottenham made their numerical advantage count and stormed into the lead thanks to goals from Toby Alderweireld and Kane but Alexis Sanchez salvaged a point for Arsene Wenger's side late on.

"Coquelin must have been the most relieved person in the stadium when Alexis Sanchez later earned a fighting draw.

"Even so, the Frenchman, normally more controlled, had let his team down."

Coquelin is now banned for tomorrow's FA Cup fifth round replay against Hull City but will be available for Saturday's league meeting with West Brom.

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