Talking Points: Arsenal vs Aston Villa, 17th August 2013

The Arsenal Midfield

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal

The latest blow to the midfield came in the form of Mikel Arteta’s injury, and he is expected to be out for the coming six weeks, which is essentially well past the summer transfer window. In the meantime, Wenger looked to his trusted friend Rosicky to fill in the blank, and he looked the best out of the current crop.

Making quick turns and showing raw aggression to get to the ball first. The only thing that lacked was his finishing, and on two separate occasions, the technically gifted man from Czech Republic wasted clear chances to equalize. If Rosicky really wants to find a spot in the team, he will need to rule the final third, and he cannot afford to be lenient on himself, given the advanced age he is at.

Jack Wilshere showed us why he is still only 21, with a needless foul which apparently showcased ‘unsporting behavior’ at the half hour mark. A man in Wilshere’s playmaking position needs to keep clean because if he wishes to form the spine the wave forward, he will face a lot of challenges, and if he’s booked so early, the attack loses its teeth almost immediately.