Arsenal

Arsene Wenger backs Theo Walcott to "prove his critics wrong"

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 August 2016

Arsene Wenger believes that Theo Walcott is ready to push on at Arsenal this season after scoring one and setting up another in his first three games.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he is confident supporters will see a "different Theo Walcott" this season should he remain injury free.

The England international has struggled to truly push on at the Emirates Stadium during his decade at the club, starting just 28 league games in the past three campaigns.

Walcott has featured heavily so far this term, though, claiming a goal and an assist already in his first three games to show Arsenal fans that he still has a key role to play in attack.

Speaking after the 3-1 win over Watford on Saturday, Wenger told the club's official website: "I said before the season started that we will get a different Theo Walcott this year.

"If he can maintain that focus, that desire and that fighting attitude then he will have a great season. I hope he has no setback because he is an intelligent player, he is focused and has a great desire to prove his critics wrong and he's on a good way."

Walcott was left out of England's Euro 2016 team after a disappointing 2015-16 campaign, but could be named in Sam Allardyce's first squad since replacing Roy Hodgson when it is announced on Sunday evening.