Arsenal hat-trick hero Theo Walcott has scored his first goals since February to put the Gunners on course for three points against West Bromwich Albion.
The England international, 26, hit the net with a real screamer on four minutes, before doubling his tally 10 minutes later. He then bagged a third just before half time, after Jack Wilshere had struck with a stunner, to leave to Gunners 4-0 up.
Walcott’s last seven Arsenal appearances had been as a sub, but he was given a rare chance to play from the start today after impressing off the bench in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland.
And he grabbed that chance with both hands. He has been deployed as a central striker today, with Olivier Giroud rested, but Walcott’s first goal came from a right wing position. However, his finish was that of a world class number nine.
Walcott’s second was less stylish, but top strikers ever turn down ugly goals! His third rounded off a sublime team move, but, again, he was in the right place at the right time.
Watch both goals below.
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Walcott must be in Arsene Wenger’s mind now as the Arsenal boss considers who to start in attack against Aston Villa in next weekend’s FA Cup final.
Prior to today, Arsenal were going through a rough patch at home – they had failed to scored in three consecutive games at the Emirates Stadium.
Walcott has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool by The Independent, who claim the Reds are keeping a close eye on the player’s contract situation.
On today’s evidence, Arsenal would be fools to let him leave.
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