Walcott wins Wenger's praise

Wenger speaks in glowing terms about Theo's two-goal display

Last updated: 24th October 2007

Theo Walcott

Walcott: Two-goal salvo

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was full of praise for Theo Walcott after the England man capped his UEFA Champions League full debut with a brace in the 7-0 win over Slavia Prague.

Wenger's side were magnificent all evening and Walcott certainly came-of-age with an electric display which included a fine two-goal salvo.

Walcott has found opportunities scarce in North London since making the move to Arsenal, but Wenger believes he is beginning to mature into the player he predicted he would become.

Good form

"Theo's in good form," said Wenger. "I wanted to give him a start.

"He played well. He's calm in front of goal. We know he's clinical and when he gets inside this position, he's composed.

"You complain you don't have many strikers and accuse Arsenal of not producing enough England players but Theo is one of them.

"He is intelligent, has fantastic pace and his technique is improving."

While clearly delighted with the manner of his side's victory at Emirates Stadium, Wenger conceded the scoreline surprised him.

"We scored more goals than I expected," he said.

"You never can predict in a Champions League game you will score so many

goals."

Lehmann update

Arsenal's victory was perhaps dampened just a touch by news of Jens Lehmann having spoken somewhat out-of-turn in the German press, but Wenger refused to let it overshadow a fine performance from his side.

"I don't want to humiliate anybody," he concluded.

"We have three world-class goalkeepers and we can only play one."

Asked if Lehmann had a future at the club, Wenger replied: "Of course."