Jack Wilshere expressed his satisfaction with his team's resilience as they fought back to secure a point in what he described as a "rollercoaster" of a game after our 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Mason Cotcher provided us with the lead just before half-time. However, two quick-fire goals from the hosts early in the second half briefly gave them the lead. Bless Akolbire's goal then brought us back on level terms, only for the Eagles to respond and regain their lead almost immediately. However, Omari Benjamin's header salvaged a point for us with just a minute remaining in regulation time.
“It was indeed a roller coaster of a game,” said Wilshere. "We were really solid in the first half, and I'm proud of the way we've developed as a team. What I appreciate the most is our fighting spirit and how we stand up for each other.
“However, in the second half, we have to be ready and we can’t afford to start a game like that at any level of football.
“We needed to remain fully focussed, we can’t collapse and give goals away which makes it difficult for us.”
Jack Wilshere spoke highly of Omari Benjamin who once again came off the bench to have a positive impact and Jack had bright words to say about the 17-year-old.
“Omari is a player I like a lot. I’ve left him on the bench the last couple of games to try and get a reaction out of him and he’s paid me back in the perfect way by scoring. He’s looking hungry and sharp and I’m happy for him.”
As we look ahead to a third consecutive away game against Brighton & Hove Albion next week, Wilshere emphasised that his players will need to maintain their levels.
“It’s another away game, we had Middlesbrough last week, Palace this week and now we go to Brighton. It’s going to be another challenging game, when you get the ball we need to be good and leave an impression on the team we’re up against.
“We need to hard to play against, press them high, win the ball in dangerous areas and hurt them when we have the opportunity.”
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