Fear of making an unwanted bit of history drives Walcott

Theo Walcott has revealed the thought of being the first Arsenal side in a generation to miss out on Champions League football has driven the squad back into the top four of the Premier League.

The Gunners moved back above north London rivals Tottenham with a 4-1 win over Wigan at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, a result which confirmed the FA Cup winners’ relegation.

Arsenal now head to Newcastle on Sunday with their destiny back in their own hands, a point ahead of Spurs following a nine-match unbeaten run since losing at White Hart Lane on March 3, and could yet finish above Chelsea should the Europa League finalists slip up against Everton.