May 15, 2013 12:20 AM EDT
Theo Walcott Says Wigan Goal One of the Most Important of His Career as Arsenal Remain Favorites for Top-Four Finish

Theo Walcott continues to come up trumps for Arsenal in the big games. The Gunners' No. 14 struck the crucial second goal for Arsene Wenger's side which sent the side on its way to a 4-1 win over Wigan in their English Premier League game.

As a result of the loss, Wigan were relegated from the Premier League, while Arsenal remain on course for a top-four finish, climbing back above Tottenham into fourth place.

Walcott has now scored goals in three consecutive games for Arsenal - against Manchester United, QPR and Wigan - and the 24-year-old forward, who looked dangerous during the entire 90 minutes, believes the goal against the Latics was one of the most important he has scored yet.

"Wigan were coming off an absolutely fantastic FA Cup win, and we always knew it was going to be difficult -- every game is very difficult this season in the Premier League -- and they showed great quality," he told Sky Sports.

"It was probably a fair result at halftime, to be honest, going in at 1-1. I felt they did play the ball quite well, but we've got to show character and we did. We came at them in the second half and showed them what we're really made of.

"This is one of my most important goals and hopefully it can be a few more next weekend. The guys did it, I'm so proud of them because we deserve it.

"I felt like we had to take the initiative really. We had to make runs in behind, we weren't really doing it in the first half, the final ball wasn't the best at times and we weren't really putting people in the box, and second half we did that."

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mikel Arteta is a big doubt for their final game of the season at Newcastle. Arteta was taken off late on against Wigan, with Wenger confirming the midfielder had a calf problem.

"He is not alright, he pulled his calf so that could be a problem for Sunday," Wenger said. "We don't know, we have to wait for 24 hours.

"He is a massive doubt for Sunday. He is very important, that is why I don't rule him out at the moment. Maybe we will have to push Wilshere in (if he doesn't make it). I don't know."

Jack Wilshere also has an injury, which the Gunners are dealing with until the end of the season. The midfielder will undergo a minor procedure to remove a pin from his ankle next week.

"Jack will have small, mild surgery," Wenger said prior to the Wigan game. "It is a very small, small, small one. It is to remove a small pin. It will not be a problem.

"He will need very minor surgery, but we manage that as far as we can until the end of the season. At the moment, we use him only in games when I feel he is really needed.

"He won't be available for England in the forthcoming friendlies, but he will be back for preseason. Of course he is disappointed to miss the England game in Brazil, but he will go next year (to the World Cup finals)."

Loading ...
 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST 

featured articles    

Killerspin Revolution SVR Table Review

Tips for Returning to Sport Safely During the Pandemic

Maven Acquires Sports Illustrated, Taps Ross Levinsohn as CEO

How You Can Save Money on Kids' Sports Clothes Using Discount Coupons

Ways to Keep Your Body Physically and Mentally Healthy

How to Choose the Best Catcher's Bag