Wilshere finds south coast debut a breeze
JACK WILSHERE enjoyed a stellar Bournemouth debut against one of the Italian giants he turned down before completing his surprise loan move from Arsenal.
England midfielder Wilshere looked a class above his new team-mates in his 45-minute cameo, although AC Milan prevailed 2-1 in the friendly — staged as a testimonial for Bournemouth’s legendary Scottish defender Warren Cummings — at the Vitality Stadium.
Milan, Roma and Crystal Palace all battled Bournemouth for Wilshere’s signature in the final hours of the transfer deadline day last week.
Wilshere moved to Bournemouth to get regular first-team action, after his career had stalled under Arsene Wenger due to injuries.
But this performance, against a Milan side boasting eight internationals, suggested that as long as he stays fit he can rejuvenate his career on the south coast.
He was deployed in an attacking midfield role behind his boyhood friend Benik Afobe.
In his first start since the Euros, Wilshere produced a range of clever flicks and constantly found space.
An early run past Argentinian left-back Leonel Vangioni led to him squaring the ball to Lewis Grabban, who curled wide.
Then he jinked into the area, and brought a full-stretch save from Milan keeper Gabriel.
Wilshere was subbed at half-time with an eye to West Brom’s visit next weekend.
Another plus point for Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was the return following 371 days on the sidelines of defender Tyrone Mings, who had been carried off with a serious knee injury six minutes after coming on as a sub for his Premier League debut last season.
All three goals came in a three-minute spell after the hour.
Former Liverpool flop Suso opened the scoring for Milan with a beautiful long-range curling shot into the bottom corner in the 64th minute.
Bournemouth replied immediately with a wonder strike from their summer recruit from Le Havre, Lys Mousset, who had replaced Wilshere.
The Frenchman smashed the ball sweetly past Gabriel, but a minute later the visitors regained the lead when rookie Bournemouth keeper Jordan Holmes brought down Milan winger Mbaye Niang in the box. Niang took the spot-kick himself, placing it perfectly just inside the post.