Walcott - Goals stemmed from self belief

Theo Walcott says his impressive record in front of goal last season was down to believing in himself more.

The England international was Arsenal’s top scorer during the 2012/13 campaign, contributing 21 goals.

It was the first time that Walcott has netted 20 or more times in a season and he was delighted with his achievement - even if he feels it flew under the radar slightly.

“I was very proud of being top scorer, but it sort of went unnoticed really,” Walcott told Arsenal.com. “The season was hard work, everyone knows about the contract situation and to play with that on your mind is tough, but is was a massive achievement for me to be top scorer for the season for Arsenal.

“The likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp have done it, and now I want to push on from that. I don't want to stay at a steady level, I want to push on and push the Club on so we realise our potential.

“I was very proud of myself last season - not just the goals but the assists and what I contributed to the team itself. That has come from me believing in myself a bit more.

“Even the seasons before last, I scored quite a few goals. And being out wide, a lot of wide men only tend to get 10 to 15 goals a season.

“I had a few games up front but most of my goals were form the right. When things are going well, I wouldn't change a thing. If I can contribute anywhere across the front line then I will take that."

Walcott proved clinical when through on goal last season and he is putting that precision down to extra training.

“Even if there wasn't a goalkeeper there [after training] I would put cones out in the goals and practise [my finishing],” he said. “If they are in the corners, you can aim there because no goalkeeper is going to get there if you hit the sidenetting.

“The keepers would stay behind most of the time and that helped me, I practided on my left and right foot. I wanted to do it, that is my desire to improve.”