EPL 2017/18: Burnley 0-1 Arsenal - 5 talking points

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Burnley v Arsenal - Premier League
Burnley v Arsenal - Premier League

#4 Jack Wilshere given Premier League minutes

Burnley v Arsenal - Premier League
Jack Wilshere has only played 48 minutes of PL football this season

In the 66th minute, Arsène Wenger substituted Alex Iwobi for Jack Wilshere. A decision that was met with much joy from the Arsenal faithful, as they’ve been crying out for the creative-minded Englishman to be rewarded with more minutes in the league.

England boss Gareth Southgate was watching on from the stands and the onus was on the 25-year-old to make a meaningful cameo off the substitutes' bench.

He responded by playing intricate one-twos in tight positions, making darting runs into the final third and relentlessly pressing off the ball too. It was Wilshere's direct style of play that pushed the Gunners forward on the front foot for the remainder of the match.

His probing runs forced Burnley's backline further back into their own area, allowing the visitors to dominate in possession and maintain attacking pressure as time ticked by.

He did not put a foot wrong, maintaining 100% pass accuracy while creating a goalscoring opportunity too. Wilshere appears like a ready-made replacement for Özil, whose future in north London is increasingly uncertain as the German's contract is set to expire next summer.

Today, he showed why he still has so much more to offer the club he loves, and justified the supporters who called for his inclusion.

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