Arsenal's Theo Walcott expects silverware in 2014

In a recent interview with The Evening Standard, Arsenal’s Theo Walcott talked about the Gunners’ fabulous recent run of form, a run which could finally see the end of the notorious trophy drought that has loomed over the Emirates since they last claimed the FA Cup in 2005. When cheekily prompted by writer James Olley to recall the last time the England international won a piece of silverware, Walcott was unable to provide a positive answer, jokingly suggesting the Emirates Cup instead.

Jokes aside, it is a sad fact that a prodigy such as Theo Walcott hasn’t had his hands on a single piece of silverware during his time at Arsenal, joining an ever growing list of stars who have as of yet failed to make it over the line of success. But Theo believes that things have changed, Arsenal are back firing on all cylinders.

“The vibe we have got in this team at the moment is probably the best it has been since I have been here.”

Arsene Wenger’s side have certainly looked a far more mature outfit on the pitch with additions such as Mathieu Flamini, but according to Walcott, the effect has been felt off the field of play too. He believes that there is far more ‘squad bonding’ now, with players such as Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker organising team meals out, as opposed to the past, playful pastimes such as gaming tournaments.

Walcott has stressed that he and his Arsenal team-mates are not fazed by a lack of public belief in the club’s title credentials, pointing out that the Gunner’s the four points clear in December, with players like Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming back to boost the squad in this busy Christmas period.

The England international can only see positives for Arsenal, stating that when the Gunners play football as “beautiful” as this, “no one can beat them”. You’d have a tough time arguing against the beauty of Arsenal’s football so far, which has seen them drop just 8 points in 14 games, scoring 29 goals along the way.

Theo still holds ambitions of playing in the centre-forward role that Olivier Giroud currently occupies for the Gunners, but he is perhaps more understanding of his boss’ decisions now, stating that its difficult to argue with a side that’s sitting four points clear at the top.

“I am totally different to Ollie, so if the manager chooses for the right games to rest him and play me up-front, that’s fine.”

This is true, as Theo is able to stretch teams perhaps more than Giroud is capable of, with his pace compensating for a lack of physical presence.

Regardless of his role, Theo Walcott is ready for a potentially massive year in his career, as not only is there the possibility of glory with Arsenal, but there is also the small matter of a World Cup in Brazil to contend.

“Hopefully 2014 is going to be a fantastic year for me personally.”