Premier League

West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere wants to ‘prove a point’ against Arsenal

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West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere is ready to go out and ‘prove a point’ against former club Arsenal on Saturday.

The 26-year-old arrived at the London Stadium on a free transfer this summer.

That was after the Englishman failed to convince new Gunners boss Unai Emery he was worth fresh terms.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of West Ham United talks with Jack Wilshere of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth at London Stadium on August 18, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

The Stevenage-born star was at Arsenal since the age of nine before his move across the city.

Wilshere hasn’t made the greatest of starts in West Ham colours, but then neither have a lot of his teammates.

Wilshere eyeing success against former club

Speaking to the matchday programme before the Bournemouth game, Wilshere said as quoted by football.london: “I’ve got to try and block all the emotion out.

“They’ve got a new manager, but I know the players, so hopefully it’ll be a good time to play them.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“I was never able to go there and play when I went out on loan as you can’t play against your parent club.

“It’s down to me to prove a point to Arsenal that they were wrong to get rid of me.”

Can he shine?

Wilshere will certainly be pumped for the game this weekend.

It is no secret that Wilshere really wanted to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Emery felt that the midfielder wasn’t going to be a part of his plans for this season, and Arsenal’s loss is West Ham’s gain.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Arsenal Head Coach Unai Emery in the Directors Box during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Brighton & Hove Albion U23 at Emirates Stadium on August 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Wilshere will be hoping to get one over on new Gunners signing Matteo Gunedouzi, who appears to have taken his place.

In what role?

Manuel Pellegrini has previously stated that he sees Wilshere as a holding midfield player.

ROMFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Jack Wilshere and Mark Noble of West Ham United during Training at Rush Green on August 16, 2018 in Romford, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

It is likely that he will be tasked with trying to build the play from deep.

That said, he might have a fair amount of off-the-ball work to do with Arsenal being the home team.