Theo Walcott reveals a private meeting between Arsenal players inspired Manchester United win

Performance was 'for the manager', reveals impressive Walcott

Tom Sheen
Tuesday 06 October 2015 08:54 BST
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(Getty Images)

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Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has revealed that the Gunners held a private, players-only meeting to bounce back ahead of the Manchester United match.

The Gunners entered Sunday's game on the back of a demoralising defeat at home to Olympiakos in the Champions League, but were brilliant as they scored three goals in under 20 minutes to sweep aside United, who had been top of the Premier League.

Speaking after the 3-0 win, in which the striker was impressive, Walcott revealed that the performance was for Arsene Wenger, who had faced criticism after the midweek setback.

"That was all for the manager without a doubt," he said.

"The players spoke to each other on our own and we wanted to do this for the fans. It was the Arsenal of old, everything seemed to click. It sends a message to the Premier League we are here to be recognised no doubt.

"That first-half we were unbelievable, no one could have dealt with us. It was the best football I have been involved in. You could sense from kick-off that the desire was there. We should be playing like that every week."

Walcott has four goals in all competitions this season and has seemingly beaten Olivier Giroud to become the club's first-choice striker. He didn't get on the scoresheet on Sunday but Wenger says his game as a central striker is improving as each week passes.

"He has shown that he can fight, commit and protect the ball as well," said Wenger.

"Some aspects of his game as a centre-forward are improving."

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