Jack Wilshere put in an accomplished display against West Brom
Mikel Arteta showed coolness to score the two penalties – both awarded controversially – that saw off West Brom.
Wilshere, 20, showed he is close to a return to his best form, two months into his return from a 16-month injury lay-off.
The burst of pace and trickery to beat opponents in congested areas was evident. So, too,the ability to spot openings for team-mates. Even guts, as he squared up to the imposing Jonas Olsson to stand up for Cazorla.
In response to being asked whether the old Wilshere had returned, Arsene Wenger said: “We’ve got our young ‘old’ Jack back.”
In the opening 20 minutes, West Brom threatened to frustrate Arsenal and a nervous home crowd.
Steve Clarke, the West Brom boss, said: “Tense would be a good word to describe the stadium.
But then the penalty decision changed the whole complexion of the afternoon
Steve Clarke
“But then the penalty decision changed the whole complexion of the afternoon. You felt the whole atmosphere in the stadium change.”
Arsenal took advantage of their good fortune – with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain winning the second penalty after Cazorla’s tumble for the first – to complete the victory and move up to sixth.
And Wilshere admits the result was vital after last week’s home defeat to Swansea.
“It was a tough week,” he said. “ We were all devastated. We wanted to make things right.”
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