Arsenal fans are singing Jack Wilshere's name for a reason, Arsene

Left out: Substitute Wilshere was readied against Watford but never made it on
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley18 October 2017

It took less than five minutes for Arsenal fans to sing Jack Wilshere’s name at Watford. The midfielder was sat in the dugout directly behind Arsene Wenger, where he would stay until the 82nd minute when frantically readied in response to the Gunners losing grip on the game.

Wilshere has waited nearly 14 months to make a Premier League appearance for Arsenal and so it felt almost cruel when Laurent Koscielny signalled his cramp was sufficiently restrictive to force his withdrawal, forcing Wenger’s final change.

Rob Holding stripped off and replaced Koscielny while Wilshere trudged back to the bench, his League comeback postponed to another day.

​Away fans vented their fury, chanting “you don’t know what you’re doing” at Wenger, perhaps failing to recognise the severity of Koscielny’s problem amid the crescendo of calamity that began with Troy Deeney’s equaliser from the spot and climaxed when Tom Cleverley struck in stoppage-time for a 2-1 Watford win.

Wilshere walked through the mixed zone, where some journalists wait to conduct player interviews, with a nod of the head in our direction. “Nearly got on,” I said to him. The 25-year-old smiled wryly and boarded the bus alongside team-mates whose faces revealed a mixture of shock and anger to another defeat which raises awkward questions about their character.

Wilshere’s omission runs deeper than Koscielny’s sudden deterioration and that in part explains the varied reaction of both player and supporters.

Only last Thursday, Wenger volunteered the assessment that Wilshere “is in the best form I’ve seen him in for a long time”.

Arsenal training on 18th October 2017 - In pictures

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The absence of Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez from the starting line-up afforded Wenger a presentable opportunity to introduce Wilshere either in central midfield or in a more advanced position similar to that in which he excelled at BATE Borisov three weeks’ ago.

Yet Wenger opted for Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi behind Alexandre Lacazette in attack while pairing Mohamed Elneny alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield and the result an alarming absence of creativity in the middle of the pitch.

A video of Xhaka completely failing to track back for Cleverley’s winning goal has since gone viral on social media but of equal concern was the lack of invention in his passing.

Elneny’s frustrating insistence on playing the ball sideways combined with Xhaka’s failure to release those ahead of him contributed to a sterile display, perhaps summed up by the fact that despite having more possession Arsenal’s only goal came as a result of Per Mertesacker’s thumping header from a corner.

Yet this problem predates last weekend, even during a run of more positive results. In truth, ever since Arsenal lost Santi Cazorla to injury, the team has regularly displayed a lack of rhythm explained by the loss of its midfield metronome.

Ramsey has divided supporters for some time and although he is likely to return for Sunday’s trip to Everton, a positive showing from Wilshere against Red Star Belgrade tomorrow night will make his case for inclusion at Goodison Park almost irresistible.

There was merit in the argument that Wenger may have been reluctant to tinker with a winning team during an unbeaten run through September while also harbouring concerns about Wilshere’s ability to start two games within seven days.

Yet Wilshere has been in full training for weeks and Arsenal’s defeat to Watford, once again pointing to a lack of resolve, surely provides a perfect chance to shake things up.

Wilshere appears ready. Those close to the midfielder speak of a player exhibiting renewed focus and determination to revive and extend his Arsenal career.

There are seemingly minimal barriers to entry for Gareth Southgate’s England squad these days and Wilshere will not have to do much to earn a shot at solving his club and country’s creativity conundrum but League minutes are essential in proving himself.

Wilshere impressed in the 4-2 victory over BATE Borisov
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Wilshere has been told the offer of a new contract is within his grasp but he would easily be forgiven if that mixed zone wry smile was in part motivated by his manager on the one hand lauding his form yet on the other denying him a chance to take it into the League.

Optimism over Wilshere’s capabilities is inevitably tinged with caution given the horrendous luck he has had with injuries. But the Arsenal fans were singing his name from the outset – and throughout – for a reason. They need him now.

Hearing is first step to FA reform

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The FA's explanation of how they handled an internal inquiry into allegations of bullying and racism in the England women’s senior team will be dragged out into the open this afternoon and not before time.

The organisation told this newspaper the conclusions of their inquiry would remain confidential to protect those who gave evidence under the assumption their anonymity would be protected.

But the story has transcended that original investigation — triggered by Eni Aluko’s claims — as Mark Sampson lost his job because of a separate safeguarding issue and institutional failings of communication and sufficient checks and balances were exposed. Aluko stands by her comments, some of which have since been supported by other players.

The FA’s reputation has suffered tremendous damage — the only way to begin rebuilding it is through full transparency and a willingness to change.

Today’s parliamentary hearing is only the start.

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