Wenger backs Arsenal’s Wilshere to add scoring touch to his game

Arsene Wenger is backing Jack Wilshere to begin finding the net more regularly after the midfielder’s goal helped Arsenal beat Montpellier on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old’s strike four minutes after half-time gave the Gunners the lead against the Ligue 1 side, before Lukas Podolski’s volley made the three points secure and sealed Arsenal’s spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Wilshere’s goal at the Emirates was just his fourth for Arsenal but Wenger believes it is an attribute the England international will gradually add to his game.

“It [Wilshere’s scoring record] will get better,” said Wenger, whose side travel to Aston Villa on Saturday.

“In his first season he became obsessed, well that is a big word, maybe a little bit disappointed that he didn’t score more goals.

“He focuses on what is important for a midfielder: defend well, make the team play well and then he will get on the end of things. He showed that last night.”

Wenger admits he is thrilled to see Wilshere gradually getting back to his best after his 17-month spell on the sidelines.

“It’s fantastic,” added the Gunners boss. “I always said if we have Jack back in January, we [would] have done well. He has done much better than expected.

“What is good to see as well, is that he can absorb games now. I don’t forget that he has been out for 17 months and that we still have to be a bit sensible.”