Jack Wilshere Silences Critics as Arsenal's Leading Light Against Man City

It has almost become a cliche to say this is a “big season” for Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere. The player has even joined the chorus himself, telling the assembled media before England's match against Switzerland, per Goal.com:

It is an important season for me, a big season, not just for my country but my club as well. I've had a good pre-season, the first time in three or four years where I've managed to do every single session.

I've stayed away from injury, trained here every day. I'm fit and in the gym. It's a big season for me. 

The message is clear. Wilshere is indicating that there is no more room for excuses. No problem: If he continues to perform as he did against Manchester City, he won’t need any. 

Since he was in his mid-teens, Wilshere has carried enormous expectation. He is arguably the most gifted Englishman of his generation, and that is some burden to bear. Inevitably, critics have circled to snipe at his performances. After a limited contribution to England’s disastrous World Cup campaign, pundits were queuing up to write him off as a talent wasted. 

It seems they spoke too soon. Wilshere was outstanding against City, demonstrating why he was once heralded as the future of the Arsenal and England midfield. At his best, he seems to have everything. He is strong on the ball and in the tackle, blessed with wonderful passing and capable of a remarkable turn of pace. 

He almost dragged Arsenal back in to the match on his own. That stunning acceleration was in evidence as he skipped past Gael Clichy, who is no slouch himself, before lifting the ball over Joe Hart. Then, one of the smallest men on the pitch leaped high to head the ball to Alexis Sanchez who volleyed home Arsenal’s second.

He even found time to deliver a bone-shuddering body-check to that enemy of the Arsenal fans, Samir Nasri. Wilshere is Arsenal through and through, and his passion and commitment on the field is unrivalled.

Wilshere topped off the goal and assist with the man of the match award. It was richly deserved. On present form, he must be one of the first names on the team sheet. 

In this season’s opening period, Wilshere has been Arsenal’s best midfielder. Despite scoring three goals, Aaron Ramsey’s performances have fallen well short of the blistering box-to-box displays of 2013/14. Mesut Ozil, meanwhile, continues to struggle to convince in Arsenal colours.

Wilshere’s form has seen the German ousted to the left wing. Ozil may desire a central role behind the striker, but against City it was the Englishman with No. 10 on his back who functioned as the side’s true playmaker.

It’s been a strong start to the season, but we’ve seen flashes of form from Wilshere in the past. His problem is consistency. He needs to stay fit and stay on top of his game. After all, it’s a “big season,” not a big month. 

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.