Theo Walcott stars as attacking duo return for Arsenal
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger praised the performance of returning striker Theo Walcott against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, 27 October.
Walcott, making his first start of the season, scored two goals on goalkeeper Tim Krul, after racing clear of the Newcastle defence.
An ankle injury suffered during England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on 7 September kept the striker on the sidelines for six weeks after he made a convincing start to the season.
At St. James' Park, Walcott's pace was complemented by two clinical finishes. The 21-year-old chipped a shot over Krul for his first and hit a low drive past him to complete the brace.
"[He is] more composed in front of goal, the timing of his runs has always been good but his first touch has improved and his intelligence is improving," Wenger told
Sky Sports of his striker's performance, adding that Walcott's start to the season promised great things. "He has worked hard since the beginning of the season. [He was] flying at the start of the season but the injury he had [impeded his progress].
It was a strong start and you could see today he is ready."
Bendtner also back for Arsenal
Arsenal also had another striker, Nicklas Bendtner, return from injury in the game. The Dane looked lively in his first start of the season and capped off his performance with a thumping strike into the
top corner for Arsenal's third goal.
"You’re always happy when your strikers get goals, they got through without any injury. I think they’ll have a few days to recover," said Wenger.
Robin van Persie is still out of action for Wenger's team, but the Frenchman now has two fresh options in attack after relying heavily on new signing Marouane Chamakh during the start of the season.
Arsenal host West Ham United in the league on Saturday, 30 October.
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