Walcott hails Arsenal upturn

Theo Walcott says confidence is high at Arsenal after victory over Newcastle left them one point behind rivals Tottenham.

Thomas Vermaelen’s stoppage-time winner gave the Gunners all three points in what could prove to be valuable in their search for automatic qualification to the Champions League group stage.

Despite an inconsistent season, Walcott is confident that Arsenal can push on and challenge for third place, currently occupied by north London rivals Tottenham.

“We want to win and make this Club into a club it should be,” Walcott told the club’s official website.

“It’s been an up-and-down season but it’s the way you finish that matters. Tottenham, we’re breathing down their necks now and hopefully they can feel it.”

“I am sure they are slightly worried. They have some top-class players as well and no game is easy in the Premier League. We will find it tough going away to Everton, so we will see what happens.”

The in-form winger, on the brink of turning 23-years-old, believes that his self-assurance is key behind his current upturn in form.

“We try and play well in every game but if it’s not happening you just have to try and forget about it. In the Tottenham game I did that and since then I’ve just been expressing myself.”

“I’m enjoying playing football at the moment, I’m still only 22 – 23 on Friday – so there is still a lot to come from me I’m sure.”

“But I feel great, I’ve never played so much in my life on a consistent level for 90 minutes.”

“It obviously helps when the team is winning as well, that is important. The confidence just flows through the whole team.”

“We have a lot of players coming back to fitness as well so there is more competition and you want to be on your toes. We’re looking in good shape at the moment.”