Football: ‘Walcott is Arsenal’s secret weapon’

Wenger pleased with winger’s effort in win over Newcastle.

LONDON:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott is emerging as a key figure in the north London club’s fight to finish third.

The England winger provided vital assists for both his team’s goals in the dramatic added-time victory over Newcastle United that moved Wenger’s side to within one point of third-placed Tottenham.

Robin Van Persie struck the first from Walcott’s cross to claim his 33rd goal of the season.

But while the Arsenal captain has been the dominant figure throughout the Gunners’ campaign, Wenger insists Walcott is playing an equally important role.

“I think people forget about Theo,” said Wenger. “He’s been in the spotlight for so long that people forget he is 23 years old and he is now getting to an age where you perform.”

Walcott laid on the last minute cross that was turned home by Thomas Vermaelen to seal a fifth successive Premier League win and maintain Arsenal’s recent record of last gasp victories.

Wenger said, “I believe it shows we have quality, we have spirit.

“We had relentless effort from the first to the last minute. The tempo was absolutely top level and kept going until the last second of the game.”

Newcastle have now gone four games without a win and manager Alan Pardew admitted the defeat had ended its hopes of forcing a way into the top four.

“You couldn’t fault the commitment but we must not let the disappointment of that last-minute goal get to us because we have a lot to play for.

“We could make the Europa League and we have to try and win on Saturday and keep our noses in front in that position.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2012.