Why Wilshere is missed

Jack Wilshere’s impressive performances on loan at Bournemouth suggest the midfielder still has a future at Arsenal, writes Adam Bate.

“His quality on the ball, his technical ability, is second to none,” Eddie Howe told Sky Sports. “And I think he is so comfortable he’s made us a totally different team with the ball.”

It’s clear that Bournemouth are going to miss Jack Wilshere at the Emirates on Sunday.

However, what’s even more intriguing is that he has qualities that could also come in handy at the club that decided they could do without him this season. He might be more prodigal son than king over the water but Wilshere’s creativity is lacking at Arsenal right now.

Surprisingly, the Gunners rank down in ninth for chances created this season. Indeed, they are closer to the bottom team than the top on that metric. Santi Cazorla’s absence through injury has not been dealt with well. In deep areas, penetration in their play is a problem.

It’s debatable whether Wilshere is the man to provide that – particularly given that he’s playing in a more advanced role on the south coast. But the fact that the midfielder has been able to impose his style at one of the Premier League’s lesser lights is impressive.

Wilshere is playing 94 per cent of his passes short rather than long. He remains committed to that style of play. It’s true that Bournemouth play a game with which he’s …

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