Arsene Wenger promises he will play Jack Wilshere in the Premier League sooner rather than later

Arsene Wenger promised that Jack Wilshere will be handed a Premier League start sooner rather than later, as the midfielder impressed in Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.

The England international grabbed his chance to shine with both hands, as a much-changed Arsenal won away from home to move closer to qualifying for the round of 32.

Shortly after Milan Rodic was sent off for the hosts, Arsenal made their numerical advantage pay off as Wilshere and Theo Walcott exchanged passes before the latter headed the ball across for Olivier Giroud to finish in spectacular style and secure the win.

And Wenger was delighted with the contribution of Wilshere, who is still waiting patiently for a chance to make his first league start of the season.

“I’m pleased for him,” Wenger said about Wilshere after the match.

“He will get a chance in the Premier League don’t worry for that. Games of that intensity will help him a lot.”

Arsenal’s manager also admitted that he was delighted to fly back to England with all three points, as his second-string were severely tested by Red Star.

“It was a very difficult game – with high intensity,” Wenger added.

“We kept going and tried to win the game, they did as well in fairness.

“Petr Cech made some good saves. But we got a win that gives credit to the mentality of the team.

“We always expect to win the games, but tonight a point would not have been a bad result. We continued to attack, though, and overall our offensive trio made the difference.”