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Arsenal have won all 10 games this season that Francis Coquelin has not played in... so why does Arsene Wenger persist with the Frenchman?

Francis Coquelin may be forgiven for thinking he is a curse, but as the statistics show, Arsenal are a lot better off when he doesn't play.

The Frenchman started for the 16th time in the Premier League this season as the Gunners saw their title challenge further dented by Watford.

Goals in the first 13 minutes from Younes Kaboul and Troy Deeney stunned the Emirates, with Alex Iwobi's second half strike little more than a consolation.

Francis Coquelin started as Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Watford on Tuesday night
Francis Coquelin started as Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Watford on Tuesday night
Arsenal's defeat saw them fall nine points behind league leaders Chelsea
Arsenal's defeat saw them fall nine points behind league leaders Chelsea

A fourth defeat of the season saw Arsene Wenger's side fall nine points behind league leaders Chelsea, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Liverpool.