Walcott starts for Gunners

Theo Walcott was handed a chance to impress in the Arsenal starting line-up for this afternoon’s Premier League clash with relegation battlers Reading at Emirates Stadium.

The 19-year-old felt he deserved his opportunity following some impressive displays when coming off the bench, which helped put him back in the England squad, and manager Arsene Wenger responded by selecting Walcott ahead of Emmanuel Eboue down the right.

Veteran Jens Lehmann retained his place in goal as Manuel Almunia was again sidelined with a wrist problem which saw him miss the defeat at Manchester United last week – a result that ended the Gunners title hopes.

Reading, three points above the drop zone heading into this afternoon’s matches, had captain Graeme Murty back after a knee problem – one of six changes made by Steve Coppell following the home defeat to fellow strugglers Fulham.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Toure, Gallas, Song Billong, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Silva, Hleb, Van Persie, Adebayor.

Subs: Mannone, Senderos, Denilson, Bendtner, Eboue.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Bikey, Rosenior, Kebe, Cisse, Harper, Convey, Kitson.

Subs: Federici, Doyle, Fae, Matejovsky, Duberry.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)