Walcott’s ‘dip in form’ not a worry

ARSENE WENGER accepts Theo Walcott has gone through “a little dip in form”, but is more than pleased with the progress of the England starlet a year on from his arrival at Arsenal.

Walcott, now 17, missed a glorious chance to open his account during the 2-2 Carling Cup semi-final first leg draw at Tottenham on Wednesday night, when he did, at times, look less than on top of his own game. Wenger, however, believes such lulls are perfectly natural at this stage of the young man’s career.

“I think he had developed very well, but recently he had a little dip in form,” said the Arsenal manager. “He is certainly miles better than six months ago. I feel at the moment he needs a goal or a shot of confidence because for me he looks a bit short of confidence right now.