Wenger backs Walcott to excel

Arsene Wenger has every confidence Theo Walcott can continue to "make a difference" for Arsenal.

The England teenager was handed his first start for the Gunners in today's 3-0 victory over Watford at the Emirates Stadium.

Although he did not get on the scoresheet, the 17-year-old was a constant threat from wide positions and looked to get on the ball as often as possible.

An own goal from Jordan Stewart had set the hosts on their way to what was a fourth straight Barclays Premiership victory - a sixth in all competitions.

Captain Thierry Henry scored one and made another for strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor either side of half-time.

Walcott more than played his part in the comprehensive victory, before being substituted for the closing stages.

Wenger explained: "He gives the feeling he can be decisive and make a difference.

"He is not a real midfielder, I played him in a 4-4-2 on the flanks because he is more of a striker - but you could see that if you give him a good ball, you can never catch him.

"Theo also gave some good balls through the lines. For a 17-year-old, he has done very well.

"We want him to be more involved in the build-up, but his strength is to be on the end of things."

Wenger opted for a 4-4-2 formation today, the Arsenal boss determined to stand up against Watford's no-nonsense approach.

The Frenchman continued: "We had a team who could cope with their direct style.

"They do well what they do and it was important to be good in the air and at set pieces.

"Our first goal was a bit lucky, but the other two we scored were really great goals and we created many chances."

Before the match, the club made a special presentation to Wenger, which officially marked his 10th anniversary at the north London club.

The Frenchman, 56, reflected: "It is a big honour for me to get that.

"It is all down to the quality of the players I have had through the years and the trust I have gotten from the board and the fans."

Arsenal are now up to fourth in the Barclays Premiership table, and will head to Moscow on Monday looking to extend their 100% record in the Champions League.

Walcott could be given another run-out on Tuesday night.

Wenger reflected: "It depends how we play, do we go with 4-3-3 or 4-4-2?

"Today, I chose 4-4-2 because I did not want them to kick too many long balls, and as well because Adebayor could deal well and win balls in the air."

As to whether he would adopt England's ill-fated three-man defence, Wenger diplomatically noted: "I think we will be faithful to a back four."

Despite their predicament at the wrong end of the table, and without a Premiership win, Wenger believes the Hornets have enough about them to make a fist of staying up.

He said: "They had a few chances, and are a side whom if you do not really focus and stay sharp, then they can beat you.

"That is why if they can keep up that level physically, then they can have a chance to keep in the league."

For Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd, it was another case of little reward for all their industry.

"We came with an attacking game plan, which may have gone against conventional wisdom and did create some chances," the Hornets boss said.

"A lot of teams would come here and lie down get beat six or seven with the passage of play Arsenal had, but we have got character.

"If we had taken our chances early on, then it may have been a different game.

"In the end we were undone by a Watford-type goal, an old fashioned English big-man, little-man - with a knockdown and spin off.

"Today, Arsenal proved they can not only score by passing through the middle third of the pitch, but they can also be direct when they need to as well."

Boothroyd added: "We had lot of good build-up play and just did not have final quality to make sure we finished the chance.

"We do have that quality here, it was just missing from this particular game.

"The team is greater than the sum of the parts in it and we have done enough so far, I think, to prove we will be around next year.

"I am confident that the win will come."