Arsene Wenger hails Theo Walcott progress

Arsene Wenger believes not signing a striker in the summer has given Theo Walcott the belief he needed to shine in a central role.

The Arsenal boss came under intense scrutiny for not adding to his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window — with only goalkeeper Petr Cech brought in from Chelsea.

Olivier Giroud was seen as Wenger’s main striker but he has given Walcott a run there recently and the England international has seized the opportunity with both hands.