Theo Walcott believes he is beginning to prove his critics wrong after playing a key role in Arsenal's improved form.
Gunners winger happy to silence critics
Arsenal star Theo Walcott believes he is beginning to prove his critics wrong after playing a key role in Arsenal's improved form.
Walcott is arguably displaying his best form for Arsenal after playing a starring role in Saturday's 2-1 win over Norwich to make it five victories on the spin for the Gunners in the Premier League.
The England international revealed he has been working hard on improving his game and he admits missing out on the 2010 World Cup has made him more determined to silence his critics.
"All people have to look at is the number of assists and chances I have made," Walcott told the
Daily Express.
"I just listen to the manager, my team-mates and they're happy. That's the most important thing. And my family as well.
"I've been working hard in training and it's definitely paying off. You always want to learn and when you have a disappointment like the World Cup, then obviously you want to come back and show people what you want to do."
Van Persie praise
Walcott also hailed the form of team-mate Robin van Persie after he continued his rich vein in front of goal with both goals in the win at Norwich.
Van Persie has now netted 31 goals in 29 league games in 2011 and Walcott admits he enjoys playing with the Dutchman who he regards as one of the best strikers in the world.
"He's one of the best strikers in the world at the moment," added Walcott.
"We just love playing together and seem to know each other and where the other one is going to be on the pitch.
"He's a great leader as well, which is so important.
"We are playing beautiful football at the moment and having Robin up front makes the rest of our jobs so much easier."