Arsene Wenger pleaded for patience over Jack Wilshere's return after the Arsenal midfielder made his first appearance in 17 months in the 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers.
Wilshere, who has been sidelined with ankle and knee injuries, impressed during a 67-minute appearance at the Emirates Stadium, after unexpectedly being included in the starting line-up.
Arsenal manager Wenger praised the England international's display after revealing he had not told Wilshere he was playing until the morning of the game.
Wenger, though, made it clear that he would exercise caution as the player stepped up his comeback, and ruled Wilshere out of the midweek League Cup clash with Reading.
"You could see that technically he is there and overall he gave absolutely everything, but what is missing now he will get through competition," said Wenger.
"He has been out for 17 months and what he misses is the pace and rhythm of the game, but overall what he did of course is class.