Arsenal 0-0 Red Star Belgrade: 5 Talking Points

#1 Jack Wilshere blows hot and cold

Jack Wilshere completed 5 take-ons

Despite being left out of the England squad again, Jack Wilshere didn’t do much in this rare start to prove that decision wrong. The Englishman’s exclusion from the national team has been a hot topic over the past few months and his re-emergence in the Arsenal set up has only reignited that debate. However, against a mediocre opposition in Red Star Belgrade, Wilshere failed to impress.

It was only in the latter parts of the second half that the 25-year-old began to display the creativity we know he possesses. For the most part of the game, Wilshere was losing the ball in the middle, despite being given the attacking freedom to roam. The game needed Jack to take control of it and create chances for the forwards, but he didn’t.

Throughout the game, Wilshere had 70 touches of the ball, made 45 passes, only created 3 chances and was dispossessed 2 times. All in all, Wilshere had a mixed game that will be seen as a missed opportunity for him to permanently cement his spot in the first team.

Seeing as he played the full 90 minutes tonight, it’s guaranteed that Wilshere won’t be playing against Manchester City on Sunday, meaning the Englishman will carry on playing in cup competitions.