Jack Wilshere says a goalless draw would be a a good result for Arsenal

Jack Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has told his side that they need to learn from last year’s game when they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday night, telling The Evening Standard that the Gunners must be “a bit more intelligent.”

Bayern knocked Arsenal out of the competition at the same stage last season, largely due to a 3-1 win at The Emirates in the first leg of the fixture. Wilshere, who is likely to line up in central midfield for the home side, stressed that the club must approach this tie differently, warning that away goals are “massive.”

“It’s going to be a different game, opened the England midfielder.

“We’re at home and we’ve spoken about the importance of staying in the game. If it’s 0-0 at home we’ve still got a big chance to qualify. The away goal is massive in this competition, especially when it comes to these big games.”

“Last year we went out on away goals, so this year we’ve got to be a bit more intelligent and stay in the game.”

Wilshere continued by talking about the personal importance of the Champions League to a player’s career, before praising the run of home form that the Gunners are taking into the clash with Bayern.

“The Champions League is the pinnacle for any player and luckily at Arsenal we get to play in it, it is what we work for every year for these big games. I remember my first big test, against Barcelona, and we won and it was probably the best of my career up to date. These are the games you want to be involved in and we will definitely be ready tomorrow.

“Our Premier League run will help. Okay, we lost to Liverpool but before that we were on a good run, we have been brilliant this season – especially at home – and we need to make that count tomorrow.”