Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Walcott shines for Wenger

21 Oct 2007 - 12:36:39

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Arsene Wenger was full of praise for young forward Theo Walcott after his excellent display as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

The 18-year-old has struggled to find top form since being included in England's World Cup finals squad in the summer of 2006, but is now starting to show signs of living up to his enormous potential.

Wenger said: "He has found the injection of pace he had before and he uses his body better. When you see what he brings when he came on, you are very excited.

"I see him playing through the middle eventually. He saw how little forgiveness there is when you don't perform. As a young kid, you don't imagine football is like that.

"You need to give people time and allow them to see what's important in the game.

"Everything was new for him last year, but he is growing into a man now.

"It has all happened very quickly and now he has realised things are not always easy in life and football. I wasn't worried because it looked like his feet were on the ground.

"He has character. He looks like he's not naturally aggressive, but he responds when he has to."