Wilshere peaking as Wenger eyes Ferguson record
LONDON: Jack Wilshere believes he is nearing a return to his best form as he prepares to make a fi fth successive Premier League start when Arsenal visit West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
The game will see manager Arsene Wenger in charge for a record 811th Premier League game, passing the mark previously set by Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and give the Gunners an opportunity to strengthen their push for a topfour spot.
For Wilshere, it will also offer the chance to reinforce the view he has re-established himself after breaking a leg towards the end of his loan spell at Bournemouth last season.
Since being promoted into Wenger’s first choice lineup, Wilshere has excelled, prompting talk of an international recall ahead of next year’s World Cup finals in Russia.
The 25-year-old’s most recent display in Thursday’s 3-2 win at Crystal Palace drew praise, in particular for the pass that set up Alexis Sanchez’s second goal.
After several injury-scarred seasons, Wilshere insists he is feeling as good as he has done for some time.
“I was happy with my form last year and I’m probably better now,” he told arsenal.com.
“I feel better, I feel fitter and I’m getting better with each game. I’m enjoying my football.”
Wilshere is out of contract at the end of the season but expects to open talks about a new deal soon.
“I spoke to the boss and he says he’s going to speak to me, so we’ll see when he speaks to me and I’m sure it will be done,” he said.
Sanchez’s double underlined how important the Chile international is to Arsenal when he is on form and put the focus firmly on the player’s contract impasse.
The South American is in the final year of his current deal and is expected to be a target for Manchester City in January – the leaders having failed to sign him on deadline day back in August.
Wilshere, though, is in no doubt about his team-mate’s quality.
“He comes to feet, spins in behind and just makes it difficult for defenders and easy for midfielders to pick passes,” said Wilshere.