Arsenal's Theo Walcott (R) celebrates his third goal
against Newcastle United with Kieran Gibbs during their
English Premier League match at The Emirates stadium in
London. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Theo Walcott evoked memories of the great Thierry Henry
by scoring a dazzling hat-trick to inspire Arsenal to a 7-3 win
over Newcastle United in one of the best Premier League games
of the season.
The England winger has been pleading for the central
striker's role for some time and, playing in his new
position, Walcott proved he has what it takes to fill the
boots of the London club's all-time top scorer Henry.
"He can play through the middle, I am convinced of that,"
manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website after his team
climbed to fifth in the table, 16 points behind leaders
Manchester United.
"He can only get stronger in there. He has done very well and
it just typifies what I think he can do."
Walcott was on target in the 20th and 73rd minutes before
adding his third goal in stoppage time.
Olivier Giroud (2), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas
Podolski also struck for Arsenal while two-goal Demba Ba and
Sylvain Marveaux replied for Newcastle.
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