Interview

Why our team shape suits rejuvenated Wilshere

One of the most eye-catching and encouraging sights of this season has been Jack Wilshere’s return to something approaching his best form.

It is the first time the England international has played in a 3-4-3 system in all his time at the club, but he knows why he is flourishing in it.

“I can play in the deeper midfield role, which I did against Doncaster, and then I went and played on the left,” Wilshere told Arsenal Player.

“I say on the left, but the boss told me before the game that he wanted me to come inside, get in the pockets [of space]. He didn’t want me to play as a left winger. It’s almost like a No 10 position if you like. 

“You can come into that position, and me and Theo were switching in the game. I’m enjoying both roles to be honest and looking forward to getting more minutes in both.

“The boss decided to change the shape last year, it worked well and he’s stuck with it,” he added. “We’ve improved defensively as a team. In that transition when we lose the ball, we want to win it back quickly, like the best Arsenal teams over the years. 

“The Invincibles were great at it because they’d lose the ball but then win it higher up and we’d be in a dangerous position. That’s probably the best change [I have seen].”