Wenger full of praise for Walcott

Arsene Wenger praised Theo Walcott's two-goal contribution to Arsenal's 5-2 derby win over Tottenham, but admitted he considered substituting the winger to spare him more abuse from his own supporters.

Walcott came in for heavy criticism from Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium as Spurs raced to an early two-goal lead.

But after the home side drew level, Tomas Rosicky and Walcott completed a comfortable win.

Wenger confessed he thought about making a change when it became apparent Walcott was shouldering the blame for a disappointing start but believes the player's performance demonstrated his value to the team.

"The crowd was starting to get on his back, and you wonder if you do him a favor if you leave him on," said Walcott. "But I felt that he is a player who can be straight, go behind the defenders, and nobody else is like that.

"He is a very direct player, and you know that sometimes he can miss a first touch and still, considering the balance of our team, I felt it was important to keep him in the side."

Walcott admitted he had endured a difficult first 45 minutes but was satisfied with his response.

"You always have to get on with the game. When things are not going too well, I can hold my hands up and say I didn't have the greatest of first halves," he said.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 02/28/2012 page22)