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Wenger Wants More From Walcott

Mon 21 Jul, 10:09 AM


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged Theo Walcott to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Walcott played the first half of the 2-1 win over League Two side Barnet at Underhill on Saturday, as Arsenal won thanks to goals from Jay Simpson and Nacer Barazite.

Walcott, 19, has delivered some impressive performances during his two years with the Gunners, but Wenger is eager for him to show some consistency.

"Theo Walcott made a step forward last season - and we expect him to do that again this time around," Wenger said.

"He looks more of a wide player than a central striker but Saturday was not the day to judge him.

"I expect a lot from him this season. We will wait to see how things go.

"Theo is more of a runner than a link player, so we need to find the right combination with him.

"Last season, his target was to play 15 or 20 matches, but this season he must try to become a regular player in the Arsenal team.

"Can he break into the England side? That is what I wish. He is 19 and at that age you have to improve.

"I don't set any limitations on how much he can improve, I just want him to get better every day."

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  1. I think AW needs to say "the right side is yours if you want it", then make him first choice in that position from the start of the season and let him show whether he has the goods or not. I personally think he will shine given some stability and confidence. Good luck Theo, you could go on to be one of the great Aresenal wingers of all time.

    From db10ulegend, on Mon 21 Jul 2:36PM
  2. Walcott played a blinder last year. Despite starting less games than Hleb and Eboue he scored more than the 2 combined. Theo should go on now and make the right side his own, with Nasri/Rosicky down the left Arsenal will finally have the wingers needed. Arsenal win the Premiership with width, Pires, Overmars, Limpar, Marwood, Armstrong

    From Darren, on Mon 21 Jul 1:04PM
  3. i think theo is suited to more of a free role; let him drift from right wing to middle. he's definitely capable of becoming a high scoring winger.

    From shin, on Mon 21 Jul 12:02PM
  4. I think Theo is a class act and AW needs to do 2 things,the first decide just where he wants to play him either right wing or up front.Either way it is no good saying I want to see more because he hasn't had a chance to shine because he has been used as a sub in most games with the odd start he and there.Give him a run out for a number of games and let him find his feet in the prem and I'm sure the Arsnel fans will see the real Theo and that is from a United fan and if he wants out we will have him at OT where he would be allowed to shine.

    From DAVID, on Mon 21 Jul 10:40AM
  5. I think every arsenal supporter wants to see theo have a blinding season for the club and I think AW is right in saying the right combination needs to be found for him. theres no doubt he has the potential to be a great player, lets hope that this season he takes another step closer to achieving that. theo is obviously a confidence player, a few good performances early on and a run in the team, could be all he needs to make this season special.

    From doggs, on Mon 21 Jul 10:20AM
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