Wenger: Walcott improvement is 95% down to him

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger believes it will be difficult for new England caretaker Gareth Southgate to ignore Theo Walcott’s rich vein of form after his brace helped Arsenal register their first win of the Champions League campaign.

Walcott bagged two first-half goals as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against Basle to take the Gunners joint top with Paris St Germain in Group A.

The 27-year-old took his recent tally to four goals in three games, having scored in wins over Hull and Chelsea.

And on the back of another impressive performance, Arsenal boss Wenger feels that Southgate, who was placed in charge of England for the next four games following Sam Allardyce’s departure, may have an early selection headache.

Wenger said: “The best recommendation is his performances. It’s difficult to ignore him if you see him playing tonight. But I will leave that to Southgate now.”

The Arsenal manager also credited the hard work of Walcott as well as his self-acknowledgement of his value in the side.

Asked if a private chat with Walcott was the reason for his form, Wenger replied: “Look, it’s not the chat that makes you score goals. He assessed well where he stands, and rectified well what he had to add to his game.

“That’s 95 per cent down to him. It was a game of top quality in the first half, the pace and technical quality of our movement. We created a lot of opportunities. I regret a bit we didn’t take enough of the chances we created, but it’s a good basis to have a thirst for more.

“In the second half we eased a bit off, couldn’t score the third goal, but it’s hard to maintain that pace and accuracy in the passing and speed of the game for 90 minutes. The first half was top, top quality like we produced against Chelsea.

“It’s down to hard work, but also to belief. Belief comes with the last few results. The confidence comes from the last few results.

“We hadn’t beat Chelsea at home for a few games, and now it looks like we’re playing with full power and pace. Now it’s about continuing to improve. We know we can be better. That will be down to humility, starting tomorrow morning again and focusing on the next game.”