Jack Wilshere played the last 16 minutes as Arsenal saw off Real Madrid with a 1-0 victory on the final day of the Emirates Cup. Ultimately the win might not have won the trophy for Arsenal but the Gunners, and Wilshere inparticular, showed some more encouraging signs ahead of the new season.
Arsene Wenger chose the strongest possible starting XI available to him, with Senderos and Denilson the only players to keep their places from the Juventus defeat. Samir Nasri was handed a start whilst Robin van Persie partnered Emmanuel Adebayor up front.
There were no goals in the first-half but the second period started with a bang when Robin van Persie was fouled by Michel Salgado to the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Adebayor stepped up and duly converted with an excellent penalty which helped him to win back some of the fans.
Wilshere was sent to warm up but before his arrival Arsenal introduced Carlos Vela and Emmanuel Eboue. Wilshere then got his moment coming on for Nasri and receiving a good reception from the 60,081 fans (allegedly) inside the stadium. He came on as part of a triple substitution which also saw Ramsey and Bendtner enter the fray.
He wasted no time in forging another good impression of himself by skipping past Garcia and delivering an expert cross into the box. He then proved his physical strength by clattering into a challenge with the experienced Salgado.
It was another fine performance from the 16 year old and prior to the game, Wenger hinted that both Jack and Aaron Ramsey could be involved with the first-team next season on a more regular basis than you might expect.
For now though, Arsenal must concentrate on Wednesday’s encounter with Huddersfield where some of the fringe players are likely to get another run out. After that, it’s off to Holland for the Amsterdam Tournament where the Gunners will take on Ajax and Sevilla. It will be interesting to see which youngsters make the cut for that competition considering the likes of Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte and Randall were all unused substitutes whilst Kieran Gibbs was left out of the squad altogether. The injured Francis Coquelin was also watching on at Emirates and judging by his early performances, big things can be expected of him this season.
Hamburg may have won the Emirates Cup but Arsenal were impressive today and once again that the future is incredibly bright.
Posted by Manuel on August 3, 2008 at 5:42 pm
A much more balanced review regarding Wilshere. Young Guns has really overhyped him.
He did well when he came on and does look as if first team football is not far away.
Posted by ideket on August 3, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I’m really pleased for the youngster and proud of Arsenal for having brought him up and given him a chance at this moment.
I’m glad he’s English and home grown, and hope he stays with the club for many a happy year to come.
Posted by Knower on August 3, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Nice to see this kid again. He has great heights to get to but, he is almost there, even at 16 years. The boy more than amazes me. Now he can say I played against Juventus and Real Madrid.
video highlights at http://www.arsenalspot.webs.com
Posted by Top Posts « WordPress.com on August 4, 2008 at 12:02 am
[...] Wilshere plays 16 minutes as Arsenal beat Madrid [image] Jack Wilshere played the last 16 minutes as Arsenal saw off Real Madrid with a 1-0 victory on the final day of [...] [...]
Posted by Knower on August 4, 2008 at 12:45 am
Jack looks good outhere, he has the growth and wow, the boy will surely be great even before he turns 20. I just worry about his height, that’s all. But he seems physical enough.
video highlights at: http://www.arsenalspot.webs.com