Wenger happy with Wilshere progress

– Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere (left) will get a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, manager Arsene Wenger said after the midfielder impressed in Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League victory over Red Star Belgrade.

Wilshere, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth before sustaining season-ending leg injury in April, returned to action for Arsenal in their Europa League opener against FC Cologne in September.

The England international has been in good form in his three Europa League appearances but is yet to play in the league and Wenger says the 25-year-old has now earned his chance.

“He’ll get a chance in the Premier League, don’t worry about

London

that,” Wenger said.

Frenchman Olivier Giroud scored an overhead kick to win the match for Arsenal and Wenger says the 31-year-old striker had predicted that he would score.

“At some stage he came to the touchline and told me, ‘We will score,’” Wenger said. “He knew more than I did. That’s Olivier Giroud. He keeps belief when it is tough. That’s why he scores when you don’t expect him to.”

Wenger also praised defender Mathieu Debuchy, who returned to first-team action for the first time since November 2016.

“I am pleased he survived 90 minutes,” Wenger added. “It was a positive performance for someone who has been out for such a long time.” – Reuters