Arsenal

Arsene Wenger backs Theo Walcott to enjoy "great season"

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 August 2016

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger backs Theo Walcott to enjoy a "great season" in 2016-17 having overcome the disappointment of missing out on Euro 2016.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Theo Walcott to enjoy a "great" 2016-17 campaign.

The 27-year-old made just 15 Premier League starts for the Gunners last term as he tussled for the lead striking role with Olivier Giroud.

Walcott was on the scoresheet as Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-2 in their final pre-season match this afternoon, and Wenger believes that his reaction to being left out of England's Euro 2016 squad is a sign that a positive season awaits.

"I've said many times that we will get a strong season from Theo Walcott because he got hit hard and I saw how he responded," he told Arsenal Player.

"He went through a very tough time not being at the Euros with England, and I I observed him, saw how he responded and I am convinced that he will have a great season. We had a good combination with him on the right and Alexis [Sanchez] up front."

Arsenal will begin the new Premier League season at home to Liverpool next Sunday.