Pelle’s got it wrong as Wilshere worries go on

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Jack Wilshere was withdrawn at half time on Saturday by Manuel Pellegrini.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!