Arsene Wenger heaped praise on Jack Wilshere after the midfielder sparkled in Arsenal’s victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Two penalties from Mikel Arteta secured a 2-0 win that hoisted the north Londoners up to sixth place in the Premier League table following their first victory in four top-flight outings.
Wilshere, who has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers since making his return to action following a 14-month injury lay-off, caught the eye with another impressive display at The Emirates.
And Arsenal boss Wenger believes the 20-year-old midfielder is close to being back to his best.
“He is getting closer to the player we know he is and today I think he made a big step,” said Wenger.
“You could see it already this week in training, that he has gained a little burst again, a little zip in the first three or four yards.
“That’s what you have to accept in football, you have sometimes to be patient. He can only gain it by playing but of course in the first games you cannot be at that level.”
Wenger also reserved praise for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the 19-year-old England international won the Gunners’ second spot-kick on Saturday.
“I believe he is on the same trend as Jack,” continued the Arsenal boss. “He is getting better, stronger, more mature, especially more determined today.
“There is much more man in his game than there was before. I am pleased with what I have seen from him today.”
Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Bradford City in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.