Wenger softens Walcott stance

Arsene Wenger hinted Theo Walcott could get his wish and move up front after helping Arsenal to a 6-1 League Cup victory over Coventry City.

Walcott is involved in a contract wrangle with the north London club, standing firm on his desire for a wage increase and a central attacking role at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said the England international had done his chances no harm with his two-goal performance on Wednesday.

“(Walcott) is a great finisher now. In front of goal he is absolutely amazing,” Wenger said.

“At the moment there is big competition (up front) and the team is doing well. His time will come. At the moment we have to be patient.

“I’m not against (playing Walcott through the middle) at all.”

Wenger also expressed his delight at Olivier Giroud netting his first goal for the club since his off-season move from Montpellier.

“It was in everybody’s mind and a case of the sooner he gets it the better,” he said.

“It was more in his mind than in ours. It’s a positive.

“He’s a good finisher but at the moment I believe he is looking for confidence and that will help him.”

Wenger praised Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin, who was making his first start for Arsenal since January after spending the second part of last season on loan at Zenit St Petersburg.

“His best position looks to be behind the striker now. That’s where his vision and creative side of game becomes most efficient,” Wenger said.

“When he works on the flank it sometimes works against him as he has to work up and down. When he is central, he can influence the game.”

League One strugglers Coventry were given little hope of earning a positive result at the Emirates Stadium, but Wenger was still pleased with an efficient performance from his players.

“We did our job,” he said.

“In the first half we were tested defensively but in the second half our offensive potential made the difference. We were always a threat and that made a big difference.

“It was a classic cup tie. We needed to be serious and we were.”