News

Wilshere - We’re a much calmer side now

Jack Wilshere believes Arsenal’s maturity means they are a much calmer team in difficult situations than in previous seasons.

The Gunners appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory at Aston Villa on Monday night, before Christian Benteke pulled one back for the hosts.

"When we get the ball down in our own half we’re calm, we know if we have the ball the opposition can’t score"

Jack Wilshere

That set up a nervous finale at Villa Park, but the visitors stood firm and saw out the game to move back to the top of the Premier League - much to Wilshere’s delight.

“When I played a few years ago and we were in that situation you could feel the nerves in the team, but now you can see us dealing with it,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We’re getting back, getting bodies around the ball and the centre backs are winning headers and we’re getting on to second balls.

“When we get the ball down in our own half we’re calm, we know if we have the ball the opposition can’t score. We are dealing with that well and we have to keep that going now.

“It is [very satisfying to win], especially after all the top six won over the weekend. We showed great character, especially towards the end when Villa came at us.

“They have Benteke and [Gabriel] Agbonlahor up front, who are a threat to any centre backs, and our two deserve the credit. They dealt with [Benteke] and dealt with the runs Agbonlahor was making off him as well, so happy days.”