Theo Is A Wide Boy - For Now!

Arsene Wenger has spoken of allowing Theo Walcott to continue his footballing education on the wing for the next season or two in order to aid his progress to becoming a top-notch striker.

Walcott made his second Arsenal start in the Carling Cup clash at West Brom and turned in an impressive performance as the Gunners eased to a 2-0 triumph which puts them into the last 16 of the competition.

Showing electrifying pace and good awareness, Walcott was part of a Gunners side much too good for the Baggies, setting up Jeremie Aliadiere for the match-clinching second goal just after half-time.

While Wenger feels the 18-year-old will eventually become a major Premiership force in attack, he is confident the lessons learned as a wide man will only add to his armoury.

"When you have a player like Theo, it is important to let him develop on the wing," said Wenger, reminding us that Thierry Henry started his footballing life on the left flank. “He has to learn how to dribble and gain confidence in attacking people in one-on-one situations. Then, in a year or two he can move into the middle and use those abilities to do a better job."

Wenger’s faith in his January capture from Southampton is plain to see. Fans who saw Walcott’s two recent strikes for England u-21’s are clearly hopeful that Theo will in time develop into the natural replacement for Henry.

Exciting times are ahead!