Source: Team_Talk
Theo can taste Carling Cup glory
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott hopes success in the Carling Cup will spark a trophy frenzy at The Emirates.[LNB] The Gunners' failure to win any silverware since 2005 has prompted Arsene Wenger to reassess the importance of the competition.[LNB]Wenger selected some of his more seasoned campaigners for last night's 4-0 victory at Newcastle as the club claimed a place in the quarter-finals for an eighth successive season.[LNB]The Frenchman has traditionally viewed the Carling Cup as an opportunity to test his youngsters, but his change in policy has the approval of Walcott.[LNB]"This is a great opportunity for us to win the Carling Cup. We want to win trophies," Walcott told Arsenal TV Online.[LNB]"People might say it's the Mickey Mouse cup and stuff like that but for me, personally, it's a trophy.[LNB]"Our fans have been desperate for us to win a trophy and the players have as well.[LNB]"Hopefully we can win the Carling Cup and it will be one of many.[LNB]"If we continue to play football like that it's looking bright for us.[LNB]"We take every game seriously but we're getting better with the experience we have now.[LNB]"To win 4-0 at Newcastle is a great confidence booster."[LNB]Walcott was instrumental in the romp at St James' Park, showing his trademark pace and a clinical touch in a performance that will have delighted Wenger and England coach Fabio Capello in equal measure.[LNB]It was the 21-year-old's first start since early September after recovering from an ankle injury.[LNB]Walcott's finishing has been criticised in the past, but he hopes he may be beginning to win over the doubters after striking five goals in six appearances for Arsenal this season.[LNB]"I've practised a lot in training for six weeks. Against Newcastle hopefully I've showed people what I can do," he said.[LNB]"I want to take that into Saturday's game against West Ham.[LNB]"I've been on the goalsheet a bit more often and hopefully that can continue.[LNB]"It was great to get 90 minutes against Newcastle. It was a boost fitness-wise.[LNB]"I didn't think my injury would be that bad - I thought it would mean being out for a couple of weeks, not six.[LNB]"I've been more down in the dumps over past injuries but this time I was happier and just wanted to get back as soon as possible.[LNB]"Injuries are always frustrating but you can't help them - mine was a freak accident.[LNB]"It's in the past and hopefully I'll continue to have a good season."[LNB]Walcott was a high-profile omission from England's World Cup squad but the jet-heeled winger insists he may have benefited from missing out on South Africa.[LNB]"A lot of people have said that not going to the World Cup was good for me mentally and physically," he said.[LNB]"It meant I had my first pre-season since joining Arsenal - my first proper one anyway."[LNB]
