Theo Walcott answered his critics, both at Arsenal and outside with a sublime finish for the match-winning goal against West Ham United, and Arsene Wenger is impressed by the forward's improvement in front of goal.
Mohamed Diame scored the opening goal for West Ham in Saturday's late kick-off in the English Premier League, before Olivier Giroud, Walcott and Santi Cazorla scored for the Gunners in a 3-1 victory.
All three goals were important to their scorers - the first one allowing Giroud to break his duck in the Premier League, the second one giving Walcott some positive press in light of his contract situation, and the third just highlighting the incredible talent of Cazorla.
Wenger was a happy man after the victory, a crucial one, seeing all the other title rivals also picked up all three points, with the Arsenal manager reserving special praise for Walcott. "Theo has an outstanding attitude and I don't rule anybody out," Wenger said. "If I did then I would not bring him on in a crucial moment in the game.
"I believe in him. Gervinho looked a bit tired and Theo made the difference. He scored the second goal and that is the most important one.
"You're confident now when he gets in front of goal that he will score. Of course he scored an important one today at a moment where the game was a bit 50-50."
Cazorla, ever since signing for the Gunners has looked right at home, and is quickly turning into one of the favorites. The Spaniard had yet another influential game, and his third goal alone - a left-footed strike from 25 yards was worth the ticket price.
"I think he was overall a delight to watch, from the first to the last minute today," Wenger said. "He was very influential in our team and it's fantastic to watch him play."
Fans and critics alike have been crying out for Giroud to start taking his chances, and he did that precisely, supplying a nice finish to a wonderful cross from Lukas Podolski. The French international striker had a good game for the Gunners, also providing the assist for Walcott's winner.
"In similar situations he nearly scored like that against Olympiakos on Wednesday night," the manager added. "He was good today.
"He had the physical presence and scored the goal. That will help him a lot I think to adapt very quickly."
Arsenal put in another decent defensive performance against the Hammers, coping with the threat of an inspired Andy Carroll fairly well. Steve Bould has been credited for Arsenal's improvement in defense, but Wenger said whatever happened at the Emirates was the result of a team effort.
"He has done well," he said. "But it is difficult. You cannot really measure what the coaches bring to the team.
"We are a united team with our staff -- Neil Banfield, Boro Primorac and Steve Bould. We all do our jobs and we'll see where we stand at the end of the season."
