It was an incredibly pleasing sight to see Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere take to the field last Saturday. Given that he’s been out since last year’s Emirates Cup, I’m sure some fans were justified in their fears that they’d never see the plucky young talent on a football pitch again.
But he has proved us all wrong. He’s made his return and despite being only about 80% in terms of fitness, he looked like he was the best player on the pitch throughout his 67 minutes. Whilst he’s not yet ready for a full 90 minute game, QPR gave him a thorough testing, diving into challenges and getting physical. That Wilshere came out the other side (despite one-or-two perilous moments) is as much a triumph as it is a relief.
Of course, the real challenge will come when he attempts to stand up with Manchester United next Saturday. Whether he can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Scholes and Carrick will be revealing. They are an entirely different prospect from QPR’s lackluster midfield.
Indeed, Arsenal’s showdown with United is bound to be revealing in a number of ways. If Arsenal can’t give Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys a run for their money, any challenge for the title will surely have to be put off until next season.
It’s with some relief, then, that the official site has published pictures of Wojciech Szczesny training with the first team.
With all respect to Italian keeper Vito Mannone, he’s just not Arsenal quality. Whilst both Szczesny and Mannone are prone to the occasional error (surely as a result of their age and inexperience) the Pole is a far superior shot-stopper.
I’d argue that Mannone should have done more to prevent Grant Holt’s goal for Norwich last Saturday and saved at least one of Chelsea’s free-kicks in the show-down before the International break. He’s slow and sluggish to move across the goal mouth and seems to have butter-fingers with all the stopping power of a cat-flap.
Szczesny’s return could not be more welcome. Whilst he’s made mistakes, he has real character and the ability to be Arsenal’s number one for the next decade or so. The Gunners will need his mentality and quality when they showdown with United. After all, the odds are now wildly against the Gunners.
What’s your take? Is Wojciech Szszesny now an important player for Arsenal?
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Szczesny is far better penAlty saver shot stoper and 1on1 goalkeeper then Manone. He is not in a grate form because of injuries. We miss his form from previous sesons. At least 30% Manone goles could have been saved
You must be joking! Yes, it is true that Wojciech has undoubted talent and a great personality, but, man, Jack remains Jack. A small man with the heart of a lion! He has talent-a world beater one at that, the fight, the drive, the guile, the imagination, everything you would love in a footballer if you’re a lover of the game. For me, by miles, Wilshere’s return is more significant than the Pole’s, isn’t it?