In the wake of a reasonably impressive performance by Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with Schalke yesterday evening, Jack Wilshere has said he's beginning to adapt to the new players around him at Arsenal.

All change

When he broke through in 2010/10, Arsenal's 'front five' consisted of Wilshere, Nasri, Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott. Now only one of them remains, and Walcott's future is in the balance.

It's understandable that it will take time for Jack to get used to playing with so many different faces, and his performances have been hit and miss since his return. A bright start against QPR was followed by a red card at United, and yesterday's game was his most impressive, being involved in the second goal.

His words followed a similar vein:

“We still have a lot of new players. I have only played with them three times and we feel we are getting better and better as a team, and that we are bonding. Hopefully things will just get better from here."

He also offered some thoughts on the Schalke game:

“[Schalke] is a hard place to come, they are a great team with great fans and we have had two good games. We’re pleased we got a point.

“The goal before half time killed us really. I think if we had gone in 2-0 up it was finished, but we showed great character in the second half.

They came at us and we knew they would be pumped because of the goal just before half time.

We defended well, and if we defend like that in every game then we will keep clean sheets.”

Patience

Of course it will take time for him to be back to his best, and Arsenal will likely still be treating him with kid gloves in case he's injured again. Luckily he has a rest on Saturday, being suspended against Fulham after being sent off at Old Trafford. Almost like he did it on purpose..

He's prepared to be patient, as should we. Chances are we'll see a better and better Jack as the weeks go by. Though if he wants to fast-track that improvement for the Spuds, that would be great too.

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