Source: Daily_Mail
Theo Walcott admits Arsenal can't hide behind a lack of experience anymore
Age can no longer be used as an excuse for failure at Arsenal. That is the verdict of one of the players who has perhaps benefited the most from the tag.[LNB]Theo Walcott has missed a large chunk of the season but watched intently as his young team-mates once again fell short in the challenge for honours. [LNB]The 22-year-old has been with the Gunners since 2006 are has gradually developed into one of his country's most feared wide men. [LNB] Making the step up: Theo Walcott won't hide behing a perceived lack of experience anymore[LNB]His story is the same as many of his team-mates. Yet depsite a raft of international caps among the hugely talented youngsters Arsenal are heading for a fifth straight year without a trophy.[LNB]'We can't use the experience as an excuse now, with the experiences we've had as a side,' the England winger said. 'We need to go that one step further.[LNB]'It's been quite hard at times. We had a lot of inuries to big players and it's been very frustrating. Myself as well, I've had a lot of injuries this season.[LNB]'People say if we'd had Robin [van Persie] we'd have had a bit more of a chance and I'm pretty sure if we'd had him we would have had more of a chance.'[LNB] Not lying down on the job: Walcott (left) thinks Arsenal may have won the title had key players not been hit by injury[LNB]Despite the injuries, Walcott has been impressed with the way in which some players have stepped in to the side and acquitted themselves well.[LNB]'Nicklas Bendtner's done fantastically well. He's scored goals and that's what you'll be judged on,' the winger added.[LNB]'We had a lot of defensive problems as well, but the likes of Sol [Campbell] came in and did a great job.[LNB]'So it's one of those things where we need to hopefully try and look after ourselves a bit better and there's a different side when you're off the pitch and we have to look after ourselves and not suffer so many injuries.' Benayoun and Gallas top Roma boss Ranieri's summer shopping listCompetition: Win tickets to see Arsenal v Fulham at the Emirates courtesy of Arsenal FCWenger targets bargains at home as Man City and Chelsea eye deals abroadArsenal target Jones signs new five-year deal with Blackburn RoversARSENAL FC
