Jack Wilshere wins first trophy since becoming manager as Arsenal fans all say same thing

Callum Vurley
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:22:29 +0000

Jack Wilshere has bagged his first piece of silverware as a manager after Luton Town triumphed 3-1 over Stockport County in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley this afternoon.

The former Arsenal and England midfielder, who lifted the FA Cup twice during his playing days, has now secured a trophy in his very first season in charge of the Hatters.

It's a massive moment for the 34-year-old, who took over at Kenilworth Road back in October following Matt Bloomfield's departure.

Luton's victory marks their tenth appearance at the national stadium and adds another memorable day to the club's history.

Nahki Wells was the star of the show, netting twice to earn himself the player-of-the-match award.

The 35-year-old veteran striker showed brilliant control to bring down Kal Naismith's cross before turning and firing past Stockport keeper Corey Addai to put Luton ahead just before half-time.

Stockport had actually taken an early lead through Adama Sidibeh, who raced onto a through ball and lifted his shot over James Shea in the 11th minute.

But Manchester City loanee Emilio Lawrence drew things level, drilling a low effort through Addai's legs after being picked out by Jordan Clark's diagonal pass.

Wells then sealed it in stoppage time with his ninth goal of the campaign.

Wilshere's path to the dugout has been anything but straightforward.

Born in Stevenage, he actually started out in Luton's academy before joining Arsenal at just nine years old.

He burst onto the scene as a teenager, making his first-team debut at 16 and earning his first England cap at 18, going on to collect 34 senior international appearances.

But injuries cruelly cut short what looked like a brilliant playing career, forcing him to hang up his boots in 2022 at just 30.

Arsenal then helped him develop as a coach, where he guided their Under-18s to the FA Youth Cup final before a stint on Norwich's staff.

Arsenal supporters couldn't resist having a bit of fun on X following Wilshere's Wembley triumph.

One fan wrote: "At least someone associated with arsenal who knows how to manage and win trophies."

Another quipped: "Won more than Arteta then."

The comparisons to Mikel Arteta's recent trophy drought at the Emirates kept coming, with one supporter posting: "Wilshere has won a trophy before arteta this season cant believe it."

Perhaps the cheekiest dig came from a fan asking: "What phase is he in? He's won more than Arteta in the last 5 years."

It's all good-natured banter, but Wilshere will be loving every moment.