Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger backs Theo Walcott to defy his critics

Arsene Wenger has said Theo Walcott will prove his critics wrong if he can maintain his fitness and build on a promising start to the season.

Walcott played on the right wing in Arsenal's 3-1 win at Watford on Saturday, setting up the second goal for Alexis Sanchez and creating several other chances.

After failing to establish himself as a central striker last season, the former Southampton player is looking to revive his career on the wing.

Wenger told Arsenal's official website: "I said before the season started that we will get a different Theo Walcott this year.

"If he can maintain that focus, that desire and that fighting attitude then he will have a great season.

"I hope he has no [injury] setback because he is an intelligent player, he is focused and has a great desire to prove his critics wrong and he's on a good way."

Walcott, who has been called up to Sam Allardyce's first England squad, told the Arsenal website the Gunners had played some "breathtaking" football at Vicarage Road but added: "We don't want to get carried away."

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