Jack’s back to his best, says Wenger after Swansea winner

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere scores the winner against Swansea. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire

Thursday, January 17, 2013
8:20 AM

Manager Arsene Wenger admits Jack Wilshere is ahead of schedule after the England midfielder fired Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a brilliant late winner against Swansea at Emirates Stadium.

Wilshere was sidelined for almost 18 months with ankle and knee injuries before returning to action this season.

The 21-year-old continues to grow with every game and capped a man-of-the-match display to finally beat inspired Swansea keeper Michel Vorm with a 20-yard strike after 86 minutes to set up a trip to Brighton and keep alive hopes of Arsenal’s first trophy since 2005.

“I didn’t expect him to be this good at this stage,” said Wenger.

“I always thought that if we could get Jack back to a reasonable level by January, we will have done well but he is ahead of what I could imagine.

“He is back to what he was before the injury, I think so, yes.

“A complete midfielder can defend and attack and Jack can also dribble and give a final ball so the closer players like him are to the goal the better it is for them.

“He has quality and enthusiasm - and a love for the game, which is the most important for me.”

The Gunners were much improved from the lacklustre 2-0 Premier League defeat here by Manchester City on Sunday, and but for a combination of poor finishing and brilliant defending would have had the tie wrapped up well before Wilshere’s fine late effort.

With France striker Olivier Giroud returned to the starting line-up and England forward Theo Walcott switched back to the right flank, Arsenal opened up full of movement - which had been lacking against City.

However, more often than not, the finishing was lacking or Arsenal were foiled by brave Swansea defending.

“It was unbelievable that we couldn’t score but we got it in the end. We persevered and we were rewarded,” said Wenger.