Francis Coquelin insists there is no crisis at Arsenal and tells fans to back Wenger
Gunners find themselves 23 points behind league leaders Manchester City and eight points behind Chelsea in fourth place
FORMER Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has issued a rallying cry for fans to get behind Arsene Wenger.
Supporters have vented their frustrations over Arsenal's poor campaign which has seen them fall 23 points behind leaders Manchester City.
They are also under serious threat of missing out on the top four for the second season in a row with Wenger's side eight points behind Chelsea.
The Gunners also suffered the embarrassment of being knocked out of FA Cup third round to Nottingham Forest.
But Coquelin, who was sold to Valencia this month, insists the club are not in crisis and "everyone should stand by Wenger."
Speaking to BBC World Service, the 26-year-old said: "People tend to forget what Wenger has done for the club. I understand the frustration but everyone should stand by him, everyone should be behind [him].
“That's the only way results are going to turn around.”
Arsenal fans are soon to suffer the further misery of selling star man Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.
The Chilean will join the likes of Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor who have joined league rivals in recent years.
And Coquelin insists Wenger needs to replace his quality.
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He added: "If they let Sanchez go, what I am sure of is they will have to strengthen the team, because he will be a big miss,
“For fans, they demand a competitive team. They will be upset if no-one comes in the transfer market and they let Sanchez go.”