Theo Walcott confident his will start scoring goals for Arsenal

Theo Walcott is convinced he will rediscover his goal-scoring touch after making his first start of the season for Arsenal in the 1-0 win over Newcastle.

The Gunners battled their way to victory over the 10-man Magpies on Saturday at St James' Park with Walcott preferred to Olivier Giroud up front.

The forward, who was our for nearly a year due to a serious knee injury, spurned two chances against Newcastle.

But the former Southampton man is confident the goals will come.

He told Arsenal Player: "I enjoy playing anywhere in the front line and the manager gave me the opportunity.

"It's a shame I couldn't help him out there by getting those goals, but they'll come, definitely.

"It was difficult after they went to 10 men, but you need to be able to adapt.

"But I have been very patient since the knee injury and I just want to play football, that's all I want to do now, play football for this team because I fell like we can go places this year.

"I had opportunities, but I just didn't take them. Like I said before, I would on another day."

Arsene Wenger's side had to be patient even after their hosts' plans were thrown into disarray by striker Aleksandar Mitrovic being sent off by referee Andre Marriner after catching midfielder Francis Coquelin late.

They eventually got the breakthrough when Fabricio Coloccini deflected Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's 52nd-minute shot past Tim Krul.

Asked whether his team-mate was claiming the goal, Walcott said: "We were just actually discussing it and he says he doesn't think he can.

"But it's for him to judge.

"I would try to get it if I was him, but that's just me being greedy."