Source: Team_Talk
Theo's thriving after summer break
Theo Walcott admits he is benefiting from a relaxing summer after netting in Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win at Blackburn on Saturday.[LNB] England hopeful Walcott was disappointed to miss the World Cup but he took his tally of league goals to four with the opener at Ewood Park.[LNB]And afterwards the winger said: "I've had a good think in the summer - I didn't blame anyone else for not being at the World Cup but didn't read too much into it because I had a nice break, I've not had one for a long time.[LNB]"Now I just want to get playing and show people what I can do...it's for me to push on and get on the goal sheet a bit more often."[LNB]Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia added on Sky Sports: "We have improved our defensive work, I think the team is more strong.[LNB]"The boys did well today, everyone realises how hard the league is and tries to get better every year."[LNB]Gunners boss Arsene Wenger added on Sky Sports: "I'm convinced we have more experience in the box - but no matter who you are, they (Blackburn) give you a strong test. We were a bit lucky at some stages but overall we showed really good commitment."[LNB]On Walcott, he said: "Give credit to him, he's a young boy and will only improve."[LNB]The Frenchman believes striker Robin van Persie could be facing eight to 10 days out with the twisted ankle sustained in the first half of the contest.[LNB]And on the transfer window, he added: "At the moment, it's all dead. For us, the transfer period is already over."[LNB]On his team's Carling Cup third-round draw at Tottenham, he added: "It's exciting. We always play our young team in the Carling Cup. It will be interesting and a good experience for them. We have some very good young players."[LNB]Rovers boss Sam Allardyce said: "Scoring more goals is the only thing we have slipped up on today.[LNB]"We were slightly disappointed we haven't taken advantage of our first-half performance to get a lead because I thought we deserved it - but you can't switch off for a split second against Arsenal and that's what's happened today.[LNB]"Overall it was a very, very good performance. Look at the open play statistics and how many times we got into the final third. It's nothing to do with the perception of long balls.[LNB]"The long balls come from Paul Robinson on dead balls but in open play we were getting in behind them for fun in the first half - we just couldn't produce the final ball enough."[LNB]Asked if he plans on doing any further business in the transfer window, Allardyce added: "I don't think so, not unless something miraculous turns up - although it's a manic, frantic 48 hours. We're just waiting for a work permit with Benjani.[LNB]"We've just got to turn our performances into good results and we'll have a reasonable season. I don't think we should have lost today."
