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Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has been in blistering form lately, ever since he has been deployed as the main striker for his side. Walcott has praised former Arsenal player Thierry Henry for the lessons he gave the England international in the training ground, as per the reports on Mirror.
The 26-year-old has started the season well netting four goals in his last seven matches and the forward has credited Henry, who is around the club again after returning from Major League Soccer to work as a Sky TV pundit.
Much of Arsenal’s 3-0 victory Manchester United on Sunday was all down to the collective work rate from the players including Walcott who pressed the United defense right from the first whistle. The Arsenal forward showed hunger and desire as he was chasing back from the attacking positions to dispossess Bastian Schweinsteiger with a perfectly executed sliding tackle, then using his quick feet to beat the German captain for a second time.
Walcott also provided the assist to Mesut Ozil’s goal which doubled the Gunners’ lead. Everyone was surprised by the forward’s performance including himself.
“Having Thierry at the club now, I have been chatting to him on a personal level behind the scenes to learn things from him.” Walcott said.
“He’s with the under-18s and, at times, I think some of them don’t even know who he is! I’ve had quite a few words with him about some of the games I’ve played.”
“He has just given me his analysis on myself and, if I’ve needed to ask him some questions about it, he’s always there. That’s what coaches are there for.”
He further added: "I think, sometimes, you see this generation of players, they’re actually scared to go up to coaches and ask something.”
Wenger advice Walcott to take inspiration from Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez has now scored 6 goals in his last 3 appearances for the North London outfit. Club manager Arsene Wenger has suggested the England international to be a nastier player and take inspiration from teammate Sanchez.
“Going back to the question about when it clicked about going up front, that was one of the things Arsene wanted me to do – to be more aggressive on the pitch. And maybe he’s sensed that I’ve had more aggression.”
“I actually said, ‘Do you want me to get stuck into people?’ That was my reaction. He said, ‘No, I’m not saying that’.”
“He wanted me to be more aggressive, in terms of running at players, closing them down, tracking back, being there and in their faces. When I first saw Alexis Sanchez join the club, I thought, ‘Wow, yeah, this is a big statement’.”
“Then, actually seeing in the flesh what he does – you see a winner there.”
“He wants to win and he wants to achieve things. And, with that work-rate, if he can do it, then why can’t I do it?”
"Maybe that was missing a few years ago. Now, I’ve really thought, ‘I need to step up’ and players like that help.”
