Jack Wilshere surprised everyone in football when he signed for Bournemouth on loan on transfer deadline day.
The midfielder is Arsenal through and through but has struggled with injuries in the past few seasons, which has curtailed his first team action.
But today he finally completed a 90 minute match, as the Cherries held Tottenham 0-0 at home.
It was the first time since 2014 that he had played a full game.
He said afterwards: “I feel better and better each week, the manager has been great to me, easing me in slowly. I am getting fitter and contributing more to the team.”
But the Twitter wags also had their say…
771 – Jack Wilshere has completed 90 minutes in a Premier League match for the first time since 13th September 2014; 771 days ago. Rarity. pic.twitter.com/seCYb3w0yg
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 22, 2016
Jack Wilshere has completed 90minutes! pic.twitter.com/pkOFhsxtCm
— iccy (@iccy_isak) October 22, 2016
Wilshere: [confused] What’s happening?
Team-mate: It’s the 90th minute.
Wilshere: [gobsmacked] People play for 90 minutes??!!#BOUTOT
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) October 22, 2016
*Jack Wilshere walks off the pitch and goes and sits in the dugout.*
'What you doing mate?'
'Sh*t, force of habit.'
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) October 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/789817552373424128
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/789819936810102785
https://twitter.com/PremBible/status/789820050748370944
https://twitter.com/L_E_Bradley/status/789835042247806976
Bournemouth should really get an extra point just for getting 90 mins out of Jack Wilshere…
— Sarah Shephard (@SarahShepSport) October 22, 2016
But after the match Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp said he doesn’t see the midfielder’s future at parent club Arsenal.
He said:
“I don’t see a future at Arsenal any more, I think now he’ll realise he has got to get away from Arsenal. It’s too comfortable for him there. He is not going to get into the team at Arsenal regularly.
“If he makes that move he can show what he is all about. No disrespect, I think he’s a step above Bournemouth, but I think it’s a great thing for him to do. He’s really putting himself out there.”
Ex-Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood agreed.
“I’m sure he’d go back there because he is a good talent to have around, but I agree with Jamie, this is a great stepping stone for him. [It’s important] if he shows everyone he’s got the durability to play in the Premier League every single week.”
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.
