Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted being ‘surprised’ by the progress of Jack Wilshere and believes he can help fill the void when captain Cesc Fabregas is unavailable.
The 18-year-old has grabbed the headlines at the Emirates Stadium since his return from a productive loan spell at Bolton which saw the midfielder rewarded with a new, long-term deal.
Wilshere, who won his first full England cap at the start of the season, has made quite an impression on Wenger, who admits he did not envisage things would go so well for the teenager in such a short space of time.
Surprised
“I am very much surprised. I didn’t expect that to happen so quickly,” Wenger said.
“You have to be open-minded in our job and most of the time when it happens like that you are happy.
“We have many creative players who can create good passes and that is what I count on.
“Wilshere is not scared to take the ball so he will have a part of it to do.”
Arsenal take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and Wenger is aware that victory would ensure a safe passage through to the last 16 of the competition.
However, he expects Shakhtar to deliver a much-improved display following the 5-1 thumping at the Emirates last time out.
Reaction
“I expect Shakhtar Donetsk to have a reaction of course and a response from that heavy defeat,” the Arsenal manager said.
“They are a better side than what they have shown at the Emirates. For me they are one of the best European sides.
“On the other hand we have a good opportunity to qualify straight away and finish top of the group and you want to take that chance.
“I believe as well we want to confirm that we are stepping up a gear from game to game and that we are capable of being consistent and that is what is at stake for us.”
Wenger added: “I will remind the players Shakhtar is a strong side that we perhaps caught on a good day for us at Emirates.
“They will have been hurt by what happened, and at home, they will be a completely different team.
“If you let them get into a flow, they can cause you many problems. We will make sure we are well aware of that.”
