After Arsenal’s 3-2 win against Crystal Palace, scorer Shkodran Mustafi and man-of-the-match Jack Wilshere faced the Sky Sports cameras.
Here’s what they had to say on the performance, the formation and more…
On the performance…
JW: It’s always tough here, especially under new manager Roy, he’s changed them, he’s getting results so we knew it would be difficult. We knew they wanted to play long to Benteke but I thought our defence dealt with it well. We covered them and we dealt with it, so we’re happy.
SM: It’s always difficult when you come to places like this and have to adapt to different football. Our idea of football is different, short passes and play, but when you come here you adapt to their game especially when you don’t have the ball. I think we did well, we conceded the first one was a bit unlucky. Then we conceded a corner which we have to defend better. Overall, we did well.
On his goal…
SM: Yeah, I showed my striker instincts there. I was happy to score. It was important to get ahead. When you come to places like this and you go 1-0 down it becomes even more difficult. It was important to go ahead. That was the most important thing.
On having Alexis up front…
JW: He comes to feet, he spins behind, he makes life difficult for the defenders and easy for midfielders to pick the passes. It makes it a lot easier. And he puts it in which means you get an assist for it.
On Wilshere being back to his old self…
SM: You love that question…
JW: Yeah, every week. It’s difficult to say. I was happy with my form last year, I’m probably better now. I feel better, I feel fitter. I’m getting better each game and I’m enjoying my football. Another game, another three points, so I’m happy.
On signing a new contract at Arsenal…
JW: I spoke to the boss and he said he’ll speak to me. We’ll see when he speaks to me, I’m sure we’ll get it done, yeah.
On Arsenal playing with a three versus a four man back line…
SM: In defence, there’s a lot of difference but we’d need too long to explain to you the difference between a back three and a four. Overall, it’s important to concentrate. When you switch from a four to a three it’s a different type of game, you cover differ areas and have different areas where you can play the ball. It’s important to be consistent and to concentrate. On the other side, it’s a strength when you can play two systems because it means the opponent never knows how we’re going to start and how we’re going to finish.
On the points feeling better away from home…
JW: Yeah, as Shkdoran said, it’s a difficult place to come and you have to adapt to different football. We did well tonight. There was a time tonight when they equalised that they were on the front foot. We had to sit in and deal with that. We did that and then hit them twice on the counter and the game was almost over. We’re happy.
Nice one lads
i love Ozil with Wilshere
Good News.. Super Jack..
Both of them and Sanchez were close for MOTM.
Whats happened to Hector?
Debuchy should start
Not with a back three (not enough pace), but in a back four I’d agree.
Debuchy’s off soon. Makes more sense to play Maitland-Niles there every now and then
Yes Debuchy is Almost out but I prefer him and also Niles should get some games there but Debuchy First. Debuchy better pasing and crossing the ball
I have a feeling Arsene Wenger is giving Jack more time to prove himself instead of rushing to a deal, so Jack can prove it on the pitch and then earn a good contract. Manager always gives the feeling he would do anything to keep Jack.
wenger sign him up!
I think Jack is getting to where we have always wanted him to be. Mustafi looked good after a few games out. I think we are all resigned to losing Sanchez now, but Özil is still important to us, and I hope that we can get him to sign a new deal. Happy with the performance tonight, we needed those points. Happy New Year fellow Gooners, here’s hoping 2018 can be the year we make real waves. Gooners!!!
Surely these performances warrant a quick meeting to discuss the terms of Jacks new contract. Be so annoying for him to finally get all these 90mins under his belt and we then lose him on a free.
Jack was really good today. It seems that Wenger has handled him perfectly so far! Now just go on and sign a new contract, pretty please 🙂
Gotta love the total contempt Mustafi has for dumb questions from the media. “We’d need too long to explain to you.” Lol.
Germans just don’t have time for stupid questions.. I love how klopp eliminates them with ease too
3 important points. Give Jack a new contract.
if anything we lack concentration.
Unfortunately at the current time that is a major problem but 3 points is 3 points.
Obviously both sides have an issue with value. I’m assuming if I can read it correctly that Arsenal probably wants to give him a contract and Jack wants to sign one. Only thing is at what cost? Arsenal needs to see that he can still play and stay healthy. Jack wants the security and not have this hang over his head rest of the season. I don’t understand why cant’ they come together and agree to an 1 year extension at a reasonable wage so they can deal with this during the summer. Arsenal can see if he can perform… Read more »
If I noticed correctly, Wilshere has been playing a bit deeper and a bit more cautious wether to go ahead and dribble or to play a simple pass forward. Not sure if it has something to do with recent comments from Southgate on Jack’s role in midfield. Disciplined in his position and make a lot of defensive challenges. It really helps to stabilise our midfiled along with Xhaka. Love to see Super fit Wilshere, Ramsey and Xhaka fighting for the spot. Elneny and Coq can be also be called upon when needed.
Shere Willpower. Sign da ting.