|
|
Wenger: Walcott gives Arsenal more options
Dec 31, 2012 9:00:00 PM
The Gunners boss feels it is important the club secure a new deal for the England international, but insists his superb display against the Magpies will not influence his position
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has lauded Theo Walcott's ability to play in different roles for the benefit of the side after his hat-trick against Newcastle on Saturday.The 23-year-old started his third successive game in a central striking position against Alan Pardew's struggling side and finished the game with three goals after an impressive performance.
But Wenger insists Walcott's magnificent individual display will have no bearing on the player's contract negotiations with the club, stating that he has always been a valued member of the squad.
 |
|
| PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST |
|
| 4/5 | Arsenal are 4/5 with Bet365 to finish in the top four |
"I like the fact he can play through the middle because it gives us more opportunities to do that and more possibilities to change from game to game. I will do it again.
"I have worked with Theo for seven years and the fact that he had an exceptional game today will not influence me more or less.
"If he’d had a disastrous game, I would still have wanted him to sign with the same intensity. It is good that he gets rewarded for his effort. That, for me, is more important."
The victory over Newcastle saw Arsenal move up to fifth in the league table and within three points of local rivals Tottenham in fourth, and Wenger is drawing comfort ahead of the second half of the campaign from the fighting spirit shown by his players throughout the game.
"I enjoyed [this match] very much because there was everything in there," he added. "We played against a good team, it was not a 7-3 because we played against a poor team.
"They kept going: three times we were in front and three times they came back, but it didn't look to affect the team. That was positive for me, and I think it will boost the confidence of the team.
"My hope is that this win will give even more confidence, desire and ambition to our team, and that in 2013 will confirm we are a great side."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
The Dossier: Stop Martinez, stop Bayern
With the Mario Gotze missing through injury, Marco Reus will be charged with the task of stopping Javi Martinez from dictating proceedings in the middle of the park
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
