Chelsea win the catalyst for Walcott

Theo Walcott has pinpointed Arsenal’s 5-3 victory over London rivals Chelsea last year as the highlight of his season so far.

That win for the Gunners came at a time when they were putting a decent run together following their poor start to the season, which had included an 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United.

Walcott produced one his finest performances in an Arsenal shirt at Stamford Bridge, and got himself on the scoresheet with an impressive goal that showcased tenacity as well as pace and technique.

And the 23-year-old stressed the significance of the win for his side in a recent interview with talksport magazine.

“The Chelsea game was a great step because we knew we had a very good run (at the time),” Walcott said.

“Going away from home and scoring that many goals, being involved in everything as well. It was great the way we worked together, it was like we had won the league actually at the end (of the match).

“Those are the moments that we want to happen again and it’s definitely been happening in the last recent weeks.”

Walcott has netted eight times for his side in the league so far this season, two of them coming in the 5-2 victory over Spurs in February.

During that north London derby the England international was jeered by some Arsenal fans when his side found themselves 2-0 down early in the first half and his touch appeared to have deserted him.

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and when you’re 2-0 down at home there’s going to be fans frustrated,” Walcott said.

“The manager had the belief in me to still put me out there (in the second half). Like they say, form is temporary and class is permanent.”

The former Southampton man also revealed why his team have been in such great form of late.

“We just believe that we can win every game we play,” he said. “We trust each other, we are honest, I think that’s the most important word actually.

“A lot of players have come out of their shell, being more honest and I think that has helped the team definitely.”