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Wenger - We have more pace this season

Theo Walcott

Arsene Wenger says he is excited by how much pace his side will have when Theo Walcott is fully fit.

Walcott was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Sunderland but there was still an abundance of speed on display with Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leading the attack.

The manager says Walcott will be eased back into action but he is looking forward to seeing how well his explosive players link up when everybody is available.

"The pace we have when Walcott’s back is very impressive because Welbeck, Alexis and Oxlade-Chamberlain are also very quick"

Arsene Wenger

“I’m very happy because Theo doesn’t look bothered about the injury that happened to him even though he has been out for 10 months,” Wenger explained. “I have to give him competition slowly in the next three or four weeks.

“His runs off the ball are fantastic and it always gives you hope that you can score goals. The pace we have in the side when he’s back is very impressive because Welbeck, Alexis and Oxlade-Chamberlain are also very quick.

“Could the attacking pace frighten defences? Let’s see. My imagination works like yours but I have to prove that they can work together on the pitch and that’s what I’ll try to do when everybody’s back.

“I don’t know if Theo will play against Burnley. We dropped points at home unexpectedly against Hull and that¹s why we have to focus on winning the Burnley game before I can plan giving Theo some competition.”