Allen Cummings addresses an issue which is causing him some concern….Jack Wilshere. And before publishing this piece ClaretandHugh – out of fairness to the midfielder – checked with the club whether he was injured on Saturday at Brighton and we were told categorically that he is fine.
Jack Wilshere was withdrawn at half time on Saturday by Manuel Pellegrini. The week before against Manchester City he got the hook after 56 minutes. Neither substitution is was injury related as mentioned above so we have to assume the manager wasn’t entirely happy with Wilshere’s effectiveness in the role given to him and consequently with his influence on the game.
Let’s not lay the blame for our disappointment against City and a lack lustre first half performance against Brighton solely at Wilshere’s door. But he has been entrusted with an important central role by Pellegrini, and on the evidence so far it’s just not working.
The dilemma now for the manager is clear. Does he continue with the player he obviously favours, but who is clearly under-performing. Or does he admit that maybe he’s got it wrong with Wilshere and his inclusion needs a rethink. Yes, Jack looked good in pre-season – but games played at half pace are a world away from the high tempo world of the Premier League.
Should skipper Mark Noble be deemed fit for action against Watford this coming weekend, Pelle’s ‘decision time’ might be just a few days away. I have to admit I’m not entirely sure what Wilshere’s specific role is in the side. Is he there to provide assistance for Declan Rice in a more defensive midfield role or is he there more as a play-maker? Someone to carry the ball and take us forward.
Personally I don’t see him as the answer in either role. He doesn’t appear to have the discipline to play a holding role. On Saturday he was certainly caught ahead of the ball far too often to be much use in sharing Rice’s defensive workload. If it’s a more attacking role that’s required of him, haven’t we already got far better creative options in the shape of Anderson, Lanzini and Fornals.
Wilshere was never the quickest even in his Arsenal days. Now, maybe slowed by his numerous injuries, his lack of pace is a real issue. He gets caught far too often in possession for my liking – and frequently in dangerous positions.
I make no secret of my admiration for Pellegrini. He’s a top manager in my opinion, and I’m just a regular fan. But I really do feel he’s got it wrong with Jack Wilshere. On current form he’s just not deserving of a starting place. A fit Nobes has to get the nod!
johnham1 will be all over this.
Perhaps he’s putting Jack in the wrong position. Should Jack be in a position that requires a workhorse? Would playing him at number 10 make more sense rotating him with Fornals who also looks better more central.
I have promised not to say any more negative things about Wilshere. He is doing a good job of that with his performances unfortunately it is at the expense of the team.
Thought he was sacrificed for the additional striker (Antonio). I do agree, though, that a fit Noble is a better choice…at the moment.
I find it odd that he has brought his own physio on board with the blessing of the club.
Given that he did a lot of work before the club pre-season you have to ask why if, as suggested, there are no injury concerns.
I agree to a certain extent that wilshere is being played out of position. Rice was left with too much to do on numerous occasions against Brighton but having said that I do believe that the team would benefit from him being pushed further forward. He is still young enough and certainly talented enough to affect the game in a more advanced role. Therefore I feel that if noble is fit for Watford on Saturday the manager’s decision should be who should play in the advanced midfield role with noble and Rice protecting the back four.
I think MP recognises his talent imho he should sit deeper parallel to Rice and be Rice’s out ball, Eddie Howe often dropped him for Bournemouth also. I am a huge fan of his but for some reason what he can produce in training or in friendlies he currently is not producing when the heat is on. I am hopeful MP can get him on track but if not then he has to be dropped for players that can affect the game.
Let’s just go back to last season’s first four games we lost them all when jw was on the pitch. You are correct in saying we have more creative players than him
Jack W might not have been injured against CIty but it wasn’t for the want of trying. There were a few City players who worked hard at taking Jack out of the game. Pelle shouldn’t have had to do that but the officials are so preoccupied with VAR that they forget about protecting players from dirty tackles.
Great article Allen …. and very strong sir. Noting Jack’s extra efforts to get fit pre-season, and watching his fine performances in the pre-season matches … I never thought that it would come to this. What really is Jack’s problem? is it his legs, his fear of getting hurt, slowness ??? And yes, Pelligrin has got it wrong in many places. (-) In goals … buying 2 off-par goalies on the cheap, doesnt help (-) Playing with exactly the same defenders knowing that last season they were the pits (-) The soft belly in midfield remains a huge problem too. (-) Thank heavens we got rid of Arnie, but we still have lazy Chicharitho and weakly focussed Anderson, who has not scored a goal this season yet. * I thank you for your thoughts sir. Just took it a bit further. Coyi. God bless West Ham.