Walcott gets his fill after lean spell
THEO WALCOTT says he has more energy than ever despite his England woes.
The Arsenal forward was derided by fans after disappointing displays against Malta and Slovenia last week.
Walcott’s miserable performances for his country were out of sync with his club form and he proved just how valuable he is with a star-studded display.
The 27-year-old scored twice, taking advantage of defensive errors, to make it six goals in five matches.
He could have had four but twice hit the woodwork late on.
Arsenal are reaping the rewards of a leaner, fitter Walcott, which he puts down to hours of hard yards over the summer, even if England have yet to see the benefit.
“It’s the biggest step forward I’ve taken this season,” he said. “It’s the biggest piece of energy which I’ve never had before. I’ve been working really hard on that, in the summer and with a personal trainer, all little things which add up. I’m enjoying my football.
“It’s difficult when you go from club to international, there’s a different transition and you play with different players. You have to get used to the way you play all over again and it’s difficult to get into the rhythm of it. I was disappointed but I’ve come back and forgotten about it.”
He suffered an injury during this gruelling win. “If I keep playing well, hopefully I will be selected for the next [England] games
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but it’s not on my mind,” added Walcott. “I’m just thinking about trying to recover – my calf is killing me.”
Arsenal were in control after Walcott’s two goals in six minutes but Gylfi Sigurdsson pulled one back. Then came a wonder strike from birthday boy Mesut Ozil.
But the Gunners had to survive a nervous finish as substitute Borja Baston pulled one back and Granit Xhaka was dismissed in controversial fashion for a late challenge on Modou Barrow.
Despite defeat in his first game, Swans manager Bob Bradley, left, had plenty of positives to take – not least Modou Barrow, whose pace was a constant threat. “Mo has talent but the whole package – tactically, mentally, reactions – it has to be challenged,” said the American. “This is how you get to a higher level. The first step is to say, ‘Come on, let’s finish this poor stretch and get some confidence’.”
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