Arsene Wenger has praised Jack Wilshere after his return from injury - but called for patience as he looks to regain full fitness.
The England midfielder came on as a second-half substitute during the Gunners’ 3-1 victory against Hull City on Monday night.
It was his first appearance since 22 November and the Arsenal boss warned fans that it will take time before he is back to his best.
Jack Wilshere had not featured since the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in November 2014
“He’s full of energy and he has found his burst back. That’s positive, of course,” said Wenger.
“We still have to be patient. He has been out for five-and-a-half months.”
Despite his caution, Wenger said he was impressed with the midfielder’s performance as Arsenal ran out comfortable winners to move level on points with Manchester City having played a game less.
“I’m not surprised how he played. I brought him on at 3-1 where it was not obvious. If I had any doubt I would not have brought him on," added Wenger.
It was a night Arsenal also reached a century of goals for the season – another feat the manager said was pleasing.
“It [scoring 100 goals] first shows that we are an offensive team who likes to win going forward," he continued.
“The most important thing is that we feel we’ve made progress since the start of the season, and that people look at us in a different way to how they did in September.”
Jack Wilshere last played for England in the 3-1 win against Scotland
Arsenal have been in fine form since the turn of the year.
Since the New Year’s Day defeat against Southampton the Gunners have won 18 of their 21 games.
And Wenger says that although the good run bodes well for next season, it is still too early say whether they will be competing for the title this time next year.
“Ask me that question in August. Give me a little breather until August,” he joked.
“We have moved forward and the confidence is high”
Arsene Wenger
“What is at stake now is to finish the season well. If we maintain our run then we will finish second and we still have The FA Cup Final – we will see where we are after that.
“We need to continue to win our games like we’re doing now. I’m not a prophet. That is unpredictable and nobody knows how strong the team will be at the start of the season.
“What’s important is that you go out of the season by thinking we have made progress, we have moved forward and the confidence is high.
“We need to start strong again next year. Who will be there fighting for the championship next season? It’s difficult to know.”
