Wilshere: End to trophy drought in sight

  • Posted on: 14 February 2014

Jack Wilshere is confident Arsenal will end their long wait for a trophy this season, as long they come through a gruelling upcoming schedule with no further damage inflicted other than last Saturday’s woeful performance at Anfield.

The Gunners have made good progress in the Premier League, their weekend thrashing aside, as well as the Champions League and FA Cup, but their hopes of winning silverware for the first time since 2005 may well rest on their ability to bounce back in midweek from their Liverpool humbling. They are now 13/2 with Paddy Power to win the title.

Arsene Wenger's men drew in a home clash with Manchester United on Wednesday and will now meet Liverpool again in the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend, and Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next week. Bayern Munich are huge favourites to beat Arsenal in the tie.

Wenger ultimately decided against adding to his strikeforce in January, to the surprise of many onlookers, and that counted against him on Saturday, with the Gunners’ attacking force looking uncharacteristically blunt.

Wilshere does not expect a lack of activity in the transfer window to hinder Arsenal's trophy bid.
"People keep saying we need a new striker but Olivier Giroud has been great and Lukas Podolski can play there," Wilshere told The Sun.

"Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla have scored a few. Even I've got a couple! We know we can create chances and score goals."

He added: "The next two months are really important and if we come out of those unscathed, we will have a real chance. It would mean a lot to win something. Everything, to be honest."

Wilshere's optimism is partly based on the fact Arsenal have a bigger squad this season, which has allowed them to continue their impressive form despite a number of injuries.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has returned to action in recent weeks to hand the Gunners and England a boost. He is set to join Wilshere in Roy Hodgson's 2014 World Cup squad, injuries permitting.

"I know what can happen more than anyone, when you look at the terrible year I had a while back. I know you can take nothing for granted," Wilshere added.