Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was impressed by the performance of Jack Wilshere as the midfielder netted his first goal since his return from injury in the Champions League win over Montpellier.

Wilshere ended a 17 month spell on the side-lines with a return against Queens Park Rangers last month and netted the opener for The Gunners in their victory over the Ligue 1 champions which booked their place in the last -16.

The goal was just Wilshere's third for Arsenal and Wenger hopes he can increase his tally and provide a threat from midfield similar to that of Cesc Fabregas.

Jack Wilshere
Wilshere scored his first goal since his return.

When asked whether Wilshere could mirror Fabregas in attack, Wenger replied: "He's getting stronger physically and tonight he got in the box, you want him to. He's the complete midfielder. I believe he can defend well, attack well. These kind of situations will give him confidence.

Virtue of Schalke 04's win at home to Olympiakos, Arsenal are through to the last 16 of the Champions League with a game to spare.

It's the 13<sup>th consecutive time Arsenal have reached the knock-out phase of the competition, a feat Manchester United nor Chelsea can match, but Wenger is refusing consider whether his side can go all the way in the competition.

"It is a massive satisfaction because I am so many times with my back to the wall, accused of not spending fortunes," he said.

"To show that we can do it, with the way we do it, with the Club in a good financial situation and with the players coming from our youth development, I think it is important for the game as well. There are many different ways to be successful and I am very happy that our way is one of them.

"I feel we've done our job recently and that of course is a big positive. It was two big games, and even by winning last night, we were not sure to qualify for the last 16 but we did it.

"We are happy. We just want to go on from there. We now have two difficult away games again, first at Aston Villa. We want to prepare well and try to win this game."

Manchester United FC