I know that this was his first appearance in the Arsenal first team for some time and Jack Wilshere did not even start the game but came off the bench after 68 minutes. His introduction was not the turning point either, even though we were still level with FC Cologne when Arsene Wenger made the decision to bring the England midfield star on.
It was while Jack was stood on the touchline ready to enter the fray that Alexis Sanchez produced his moment of magic to give Arsenal the lead which we never looked like giving up afterwards. Having said that, I do think that Wilshere’s entrance did change things and Arsenal looked a much better side with him in the middle.
His passing was crisp and accurate and just like with Mesut Ozil the whole team seemed to play better and look more fluent and full of invention with the 25-year old. Of course it is way too early to get too excited,. Gooners, but it was very encouraging.
Staying fit is a massive issue for our injury hit star, we all know that and probably nobody more than the player himself, but he must be feeling good about his impact off the bench in a tough game against Cologne because I am and I cannot help but wonder what will happen from now on.
One major factor for me is the competition that an in form Wilshere can offer to Ozil and the extra options it gives our manager in his team selection. Have Arsenal now got a real and viable option in that crucial creative midfield role?
Bob.