FORWARD THEO WALCOTT believes there were glimpses of “the true Arsenal” last night as the Gunners atoned for their Bradford disappointment with a convincing 5-2 Barclays Premier League victory at Reading.
Walcott was given the opportunity to play up front by Arsene Wenger and duly repaid his boss’ faith by slotting in the fifth goal of the night, following Lukas Podolski’s strike and a Santi Cazorla hat-trick.
When asked about criticism following last week’s shock exit from the Capital One Cup, he said: “We showed people the true Arsenal.
“We don’t really take notice of the outside. We’re a big family and we know our quality and that we’re good enough.
“I enjoyed playing up front and the boss gave me that opportunity. I thought I did very well and the players around me always make my job easier.”
Adam Le Fondre and Jimmy Kebe denied Arsenal a clean sheet but Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere was quick to echo his team-mate’s sentiments.
He said: “I think we saw the old Arsenal in some patches tonight.
“We need to tighten up defensively as we gave two sloppy goals away.”
Referring to the Bradford game, he added: “As players we’re disappointed, naturally.
“It’s a natural feeling of disappointment when you lose to a lower league team.
“It’s been a tough and disappointing week and we had to come here and be strong.
“They’re fighting relegation so we knew they would be up for it.
“Theo and Santi were different class and the boys around them helped as well.”
Walcott is in talks over a contract extension at the Emirates and Wilshere is especially eager to hasten the process.
“I’ve been working all year on him,” he added. “But that’s between Theo, his representatives and the boss but hopefully we can sign him up.
“He showed he can do it up front and hopefully he can play there in the future.”
Walcott added: “Talks are ongoing and it’s going to be a slow process.
“It’s taking a long time but hopefully something will happen soon.”