After an encouraging display against Everton last time out, Jack Wilshere started and played 75 minutes for Bournemouth during their 2-2 draw against Walter Mazzari’s Watford side.

The headlines will mainly be focused on his failure to finish a clear goalscoring opportunity at the far post, especially with the goal gaping, but he managed to hit the post and watched with agony as it trickled out of play shortly afterwards.

Wilshere reacts after missing a golden opportunity to open his scoring account. (Photo source: Dan Mullan / Getty Images)
Wilshere reacts after missing a golden opportunity to open his scoring account. (Photo source: Dan Mullan / Getty Images)

Being deployed as the number ten, directly behind striker Callum Wilson, had both its positives and negatives throughout.

Given his lack of match practice, it’d be naive to suggest Wilshere would show vast improvement in a matter of weeks. There have been flashes of individual brilliance but equally, clear signs of a talented player who has been unable to finish a full 90 for two full years.

Although he was criticised across social media for his perceived lack of effort throughout, he was a constant nuisance for Watford midfielders as they attempted to get forward at will. (Photo source: Dan Mullan / Getty Images)
Although he was criticised across social media for his perceived lack of effort throughout, he was a constant nuisance for Watford midfielders as they attempted to get forward at will. (Photo source: Dan Mullan / Getty Images)

He was given his second booking of the season for a silly, needless challenge after 20 minutes whilst also rattling the woodwork once more before being replaced in the latter stages by Dan Gosling.

His first-touch let him down upon occasion, he seemed lazy at times when there were gaps in the middle of Watford’s backline which he could’ve exploited with a trademark marauding run forward into. With that being said, you can also argue he’s tentative to avoid situations where he draws opponents into committing fouls on him, as is the injury sensitivity that needs to be taken into account.

Wilshere wasn't fantastic, but equally did a decent job - despite some critics suggesting otherwise. (Photo source: FourFourTwo
Wilshere wasn’t fantastic, but equally did a decent job – despite some critics suggesting otherwise. (Photo source: FourFourTwo

If this loan is to be as successful as it has potential to be, Wilshere needs to continue in the same vein that he has started life on the south Coast whilst importantly remaining match-fit.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth shakes fans hands after the game during the Premier League match between Watford and AFC Bournemouth at Vicarage Road on October 1, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth shakes fans hands after the game during the Premier League match between Watford and AFC Bournemouth at Vicarage Road on October 1, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)