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Arsenal's players celebrate after Lisandro Lopez's goal against Belgrano during their Argentina First Division football match in Buenos Aires, on June 24, 2012. Arsenal won by 1-0 and became champion. (AFP)
France’s torrid display against Spain was made tolerable for fans of Les Bleus only because of some world-class defending.
Defending that left the normally confident Spanish a bit frazzled towards the end.
That Spain’s goal came after a French defender slipped tracking Jordi Alba bears testament to the fact that there was no way through the centre.
The reason for that is Laurent Koscielny.
Here are his stats against Spain: 44/48 passes (92%), 3/3 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 blocks, 6 clearances Arsene Wenger has a wry smile on his face.
At the Emirates banners are being created: Boss-cielny!
Wenger has been keen to build from behind in his plan for next season and if he can pry Yann M’Villa to Arsenal as well he should have a solid base with Koscielny.
Koscielny told Uefa.com after the Spain game, “We have seen for some time that Spain play the most beautiful football and win trophies, so it was a tough match for us,"
"Spain have the skill to keep possession and make their opponent chase the ball, and this is very energy consuming.
"We could have scored if we had been more accurate in terms of technique, but we are, nonetheless, leaving with our heads held high.
"It is no use being consumed by regret now. I only want to look to the future. I think this tournament has helped us improve; let's not forget that we are a young team. I think we will get better with time."
If he gets any better, Arsenal might have a title in their sights.
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