Late on Jon Walters seemed to have Jack Wilshere cornered near England's goal line. Wilshere swerved his hips, wrong-footing Walters before escaping up the right wing. One touch to feed Phil Jones and away into the prairie he galloped.
Already 23, half his career has been cursed by cracks in porcelain ankles, the Londoner was the most captivating footballer in Dublin yesterday. Not exactly repeating the flawless majesty delivered as a 19-year-old against Barcelona in 2011, when the world’s greatest collection of passers couldn’t lay a toe on him, his natural movement here was more evidence to suggest Wilshere can, some day, produce this with regularity on the world stage.
Really he’s from Stevenage but a Gunner since childhood, this passion ran aground of the Football Association’s disciplinary arm last week. As the FA Cup celebrations flowed into the Emirates stadium Wilshere (wearing Reni hat and dark shades) felt it prudent to take the microphone and deliver some choice lyrics about Tottenham Hotspur.
“I don’t think I’m in a position to comment on it now. It’s in the hands of my club and the FA. What will be will be.”
A fine will probably be. Shockingly, he’s been snapped smoking as well.
Another lesson to be learned Jack? Yes and no.
“Yeah, I think so, but I think at the same time, you know, people have given me a lot of stick for having a bit of fun and enjoying myself on the (Arsenal celebration) bus. But we worked hard all year. When you work all year with a bunch of players and at the end you win a trophy it is the best feeling in the world. It’s like anyone in any job if at the end of the year you get a promotion and a bonus you are going to go out and celebrate.
“I think that side of things was maybe a little bit harsh...”
He stops talking. He sounds as sensible as any 23-year-old millionaire can be.
“I have always had a special bond with the fans because I came through the system. I love being at Arsenal. I love the fans.
“Believe it or not I actually have family who are Tottenham fans. It’s nothing against them. It was just something for the Arsenal fans.”
Que sera, sera then, but maybe England are finally learning from their historical errors. Wilshere sat yesterday in the Pirlo hole only embraced by Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes in the winter of their careers. He held tight except when protected by Jordan Henderson for those chest bursting, youthful drives up the pitch.
“I enjoy that position. I want to learn more, when I play in that position I learn, every game I play there I get a bit more comfortable in it. It’s not an easy role to play.”
It takes a great player to make it look easy. He might be one. He should be one.
Arséne Wegner will continue to use him elsewhere and that’s just the way it will be.
“I think so. I spoke to my manager (Roy Hodgson) and he said I know what my role is for England. He said it straight away. I’m happy playing that role and more forward for Arsenal.”
