Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has reacted angrily to Watford striker Troy Deeney after the forward criticised the Gunners for lacking “cojones” after their loss to the Hornets in the Premier League, according to a report on the Daily Mail.

Wilshere said:

As a player if your attitude is questioned, it’s horrible, I look around this team and you can’t question our character. People try and put us down, they always have. I don’t think the comments were justified.

I don’t think we can look back and question our character. I am sure individually players are disappointed (with Deeney’s remarks) — no one wants to hear those comments. All we can do is bounce back with a good performance.

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The Watford forward was brutally honest in his assessment of the North London club following the 2-1 win where Deeney managed to get the equaliser from the penalty spot.

Wilshere has been working his way back into the Arsenal side and is looking sharp. The midfielder is tipped to start Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League clash tonight against Red Star Belgrade to help maintain their perfect start in the competition.

Wilshere is desperate to get game time to force his way back into the plans of England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.