Jack Wilshere: 'The last few seasons we’ve finished fourth, so to finish two places ahead of that would be a massive progression for us'

Published: 5 May, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

Premier League
HULL 1, ARSENAL 3

IT might seem like there’s little left to play for in the Premier League, but Jack Wilshere is adamant that the Gunners are going to keep on firing in a bid to lay down a marker ahead of next season.

Two goals from Alexis Sanchez and a strike from Aaron Ramsey saw Arsenal wrap up a convincing 3-1 victory away at Hull on Monday night – all but confirming a place in next season’s Champions League. And with Chelsea having been crowned champions on Sunday, Arsene Wenger’s side could be forgiven for now taking their foot off the gas and saving themselves for the FA Cup final.

Alexis Sanchez scores Arsenal's third goal in the win at Hull on Monday evening 

Wilshere, however, has other ideas, insisting that taking the runners-up spot would not only mark a significant improvement, but would also prove that the north Londoners mean business next season.

“Finishing second would set a marker for next season and would be a progression from last year,” said the England international. “The last few seasons we’ve finished fourth, so to finish two places ahead of that would be a massive progression for us and hopefully give us confidence going into next season.”

Wilshere came on as a second-half substitute at the KC Stadium, ending a five-and-a-half-month spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury. 

Jack Wilshere, returning to the Arsenal squad after five months on the sidelines, is challenged by Hull's Michael Dawson

“It’s frustrating when you’re out but when you’re back on the pitch it makes up for all the time you spent injured,” Wilshere added.

“It’s much better for me to come into a team who are winning and playing as well as that. It’s easy because you can fit in when the boss is ready to include you. I’m just happy to get back on the pitch and get some minutes under my belt. I feel fitter for it, I’ll train next week and hopefully get some minutes next week as well.”

ARSENAL: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey (Wilshere, 68), Ozil , Sanchez, Giroud (Walcott, 86).
Substitutes not used: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Rosicky, Flamini.
Attendance: 23,628.