Theo Walcott believes Arsenal did well to not panic in their 5-2 victory against Leicester City on Saturday.
The Gunners found themselves behind early in the opening half through a delicious Jamie Vardy curled effort, but the English speedster helped them get back into the game after getting on the end of a Santi Cazorla pass and side-footing the ball past Kasper Schmeichel.
We got that [equalising] goal to get back into the game.
After that we played with a lot of freedom and we took all our chances. We just continued to just play our game.
We knew we’d create chances on the counter attack. We knew they would come for us, especially as they were at home. We were patient and it was important that we did not panic.
Walcott was instrumental in the equaliser, but the increase in tempo in his all-round game was particularly impressive. Playing central striker in what seems to be his new position at the club, the 26-year-old made clever movements and ran rings around the Leicester defence.
He garnered a lot of praise and edged himself ahead of Olivier Giroud in the race for the lone striking role, despite the Frenchman scoring on Saturday too.
It will be up there since the knee injury and, before that, the Tottenham game. I have always said I want to play up front.
When I get the opportunity I can improve and learn the position a little more.
The manager has had faith in me and I just want to repay him.
While Theo and Giroud got credit for their goals, Alexis Sanchez had stolen the show at King Power Stadium (as he often did for most parts of last season) by scoring a sensational hat-trick, being the first person to do so in the top-flights of Italy, Spain and now England respectively.
Walcott was full of praise for the Chilean who had been on something of a scoring drought this season, but managed to break it in some style.
He is a top-quality player and even when he is not scoring goals he works so hard for us. He tracks back and does a lot for the team.
I am sure he going to flourish now with many, many more important goals.
It has been a long time coming, he knows that himself. But he is very pleased today.
In addition, Walcott believes that the emphatic win against the Foxes was a big one, especially considering their unbeaten form in the Premier League prior to it.
We can only look after ourselves. This was a big win for us. Leicester are a big strong, quality team and they’ll cause upsets this season.
Manchester City and Chelsea slipping up in the league means that Arsenal can usurp first place if they beat Manchester United next week at the Emirates, and Walcott is happy they have put themselves in such a promising position.
