Arsenal news: Theo Walcott targets 10 goals by Christmas - and a coffee machine too

Walcott's wife, Mel, has promised to buy the player a new coffee machine for Christmas - but only if he reaches 10 goals by December 25

Walcott is one goal away from reaching his target of 10 Premier League goals before Christmas

Not one for a life of lavish excess, the modest Theo Walcott has set his heart on a new coffee machine for Christmas this year. But while the Arsenal player revealed his wife has agreed to buy him one, there’s a slight catch – he needs to reach 10 goals by December 25.

If Sunday’s performance against Bournemouth is anything to go by, the winger looks set to get his hands on a brand spanking new ‘Nespresso Delux Coffee Machine’ courtesy of Mrs Walcott come Christmas day. Walcott scored one of Arsenal’s three goals against Eddie Howe's visitors to take his total tally to nine this season. The winger thrived alongside Alexis Sanchez whose brace helped clinch the home side all three points.

Speaking after the game, Walcott explained: “I want to get 10 [goals] so I can get a coffee machine for Christmas from my wife. She said ‘if you get 10 goals before Christmas I’ll buy you this coffee machine’.

“So I can’t wait for that and hopefully it will happen. Coming from the wing as well, I’m obviously delighted with my goals so far. But I’m more delighted where the team is, progressing from the first disappointing game [the 4-3 loss to Liverpool on the opening day, since when Arsenal are unbeaten in 19 games]. There’s been a lot of ups and downs but hopefully this game can just make sure we’re back to the level we want to be at.

“I sat down with the manager at the start of the season and said where I want to play so now I don’t have to think about anything else,” added Walcott. “And with that experience in the central position, if I find myself there hopefully I can tuck away the goals, which I have. I’m still working hard in training, in the gym and on the mental side of it. And making sure I have time at home as well.

“Everything seems to be clicking. I just want to make sure I’m the best I can be every day going into training. If I can stay fit hopefully it can be a good season, not just for me but for everyone else.”

Walcott celebrated his ninth goal of the season by cradling and rocking his arms, a reference to the fact his wife, Mel, had given birth to their second child on Friday. It was an important goal that put Arsenal back in control at the Emirates after Callum Wilson’s penalty in the 23^rd minute had cancelled out Sanchez’s opener.

“I tried to see if I could meet up on the morning of the game but the boss was adamant that he wants his players to come to the hotel”, he said. “But we compromised and I managed to come a lot later. I was very pleased he allowed that so I had a lot more time because this was only the second night [for the new baby].”