Wilshere’s red rage
BAD TACKLE SPARKS FURY
JACK WILSHERE’S hopes of reviving his Arsenal career hit trouble last night when he was sent off in only his second game back with the club. The midfielder saw red for his part in a brawl during Arsenal’s Under 23 match against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Wilshere, 25, who is returning after breaking his leg in April, objected to Matthew Smith’s late challenge and pushed him in the chest, sending him flying. He then got involved in a shoving match with Tyreke Wilson and referee Samuel Allison sent both players off.
JACK WILSHERE saw red on only his second appearance back in Arsenal colours following the fractured leg he suffered in April.
The midfielder was sent off for shoving Manchester City’s Matthew Smith in an Under 23 match at the Emirates Stadium.
Wilshere took exception to Smith’s late challenge in the centre of the pitch and pushed the City man in the chest, sending him falling to the ground.
The England international then became involved in a shoving match with Tyreke Wilson after the City defender ran up to confront him and referee Samuel Allison dismissed both players.
The pair were involved in a further confrontation in the tunnel before being separated, though no punches were thrown.
The sending off is a big setback in Wilshere’s bid to resurrect his career at Arsenal. He had produced an encouraging performance until that flashpoint, controlling things in midfield during a hectic match and laying on an assist for Arsenal’s third goal, scored by Eddie Nketiah, in their 4-3 win.
Although Wilshere will not be suspended for any senior matches as a result, it does cast doubt on whether he is ready to step back into Arsene Wenger’s first team.
Wilshere fractured his leg while playing for loan club Bournemouth in a Premier League match against Tottenham and is only just working his way back to full fitness again.
It is almost an entire year since he last made a senior appearance for the Gunners — the 3-1 victory at Watford back on August 27 last year.
It was a shame that Wilshere’s red mist overshadowed a fine performance by Arsenal’s dynamic forward Nketiah.
An outstanding first half from the 18-year- old England youth international produced two goals as Arsenal took command.
First, though, Nketiah offered an assist for the opener, after a one-two with Reiss Nelson that was followed by the latter drilling an unstoppable low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
An exciting campaign awaits classy 17-year-old Nelson, who was handed his first professional contract on his last birthday and made his senior debut in the Community Shield win over Chelsea.
Wenger is clearly an admirer and you can only hope the teenager gets plenty of opportunity to showcase his obvious talents in the cup competitions and Europa League.