Walcott and Bellerin reaping Wenger’s Gunners praise

A lot of the talk at the Emirates this week has been about the form and goal scoring exploits of Alexis Sanchez but Gunners’ manager Arsene Wenger has singled out the performances of Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott for special praise.

Bellerin produced an all-action display during Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Chelsea, while Walcott continued his early season form with the second goal against the Blues.

Their combination down the Arsenal right flank has brought rave reviews so far this campaign and Wenger has been impressed with what he has seen.

At the back-end of last season Walcott struggled to get a first team start for Arsenal and also missed out on Euro 2016 selection, but Wenger has been thrilled with the England winger’s return to form, plus the continued career progression of Bellerin.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I believe Hector is absolutely growing with every single game,” the manager said. “He is dangerous going forward but he has also gained a lot defensively.

“He can cover the centre back as well and that was not a quality he had when he started, but he is an intelligent boy and I think he will be a top, top-level player.

“[Theo] used to be 90 per cent forward and 10 per cent defending – today he does it 50-50 and does the job in both ways with commitment.

“I always felt there was character in this boy, and intelligence. It was a big blow to him not to go to the Euros.

“I spoke with him about the disappointment of not going with England. Theo Walcott is a special case; at 16 he went with England to the World Cup in 2006 – now we are 2016 and he has still not played at a World Cup.

“He has matured and, when a player survives these disappointments after what you have promised at 16 and the way he dealt with the situations, I always thought there was something special in this guy.”