It was pretty much this time last year when Jack Wilshere really made a name for himself. Jack lit up the Emirates cup, showing balance, grace, no fear and confidence that was far beyond his years. Then came all the talk of playing for England and being a starter in the Arsenal team

The pre season friendly is on at a convenient time for me today as I plan to watch the game then go straight to my usual Tuesday evening football at 8pm.

We should witness a team closer to the real deal this afternoon with the world cup travellers having had the time to be put through their paces. According to Young Guns a few of the younger members will be flying home as they nurse injuries.

Craig Eastmond, Armand Traore, Henri Lansbury and Conor Henderson will take no part in the last game of the Austrian tour. However Jack Wilshere continues to be part of Arsene’s plans.

Wilshere has spoken about his last 12 months and how he became such a well known name.

Wilshere said:

“Yes, I think I have got used to it, The boss helped me a lot. Obviously I was frustrated not to play but it is probably the right thing, and then letting me go out on loan to get some experience. So I think I have handled it quite well, yes.”

“I think things come more naturally, Obviously you are fitter because you’ve got match fitness. Things just come more naturally to you.”

It was pretty much this time last year when Jack Wilshere really made a name for himself. Jack lit up the Emirates cup, showing balance, grace, no fear and confidence that was far beyond his years. Then came all the talk of playing for England and being a starter in the Arsenal team. Wilshere was now supposed to be ahead of Denilson in the team even though both players have totally different roles to the team.

Jack’s hype spiraled out of control whilst his form had dipped along with injury. Wenger took him out the lime light and eventually lent him to Bolton, giving him the chance to play regular first team football at a good level. Good compared to the Arsenal reserves.

I am glad that Wilshere was able to take his chance and show everyone what he can do. Hopefully this time he is physically stronger than he was last year and the game time will give him the experience to make the difference in the Arsenal first team. With Aaron Ramsey missing for the early part of this season, I would like to see Wilshere take his place in the squad, being brought in from the bench with twenty minutes to go until he is given his chance to start.

One player who is looking increasingly likely not to play alongside Wilshere is Sol Campbell. Reports are coming out that he is set for a medical with Newcastle United, after being likely to sign for Celtic and then Sunderland.

It was suggested that Campbell would sign on again for Arsenal but that does not appear to be the case today. I would really like Campbell to stay, not just for his playing experience but for his desire to win, it became infectious at the end of last season. If Campbell does sign on elsewhere then it would be extremely likely that Wenger will dip his hand into the piggy bank and bring in another central defender. Three first teamers and a youngster would be very thin. I’d be surprised if Arsene went into the season with the numbers we have in defence. Many are panicking about our defence and goalkeeping options but I would like to remind everyone that most of the transfer action happens at the end of the window, especially with Arsenal. We have roughly a month left of the transfer window so I suggest taking a chill pill and watch and enjoy the players we currently have in our squad.

Hopefully we should have plenty to talk about after the game this evening. Enjoy the game.

Back tomorrow.

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