• Premier League

Injury woe helped Walcott bond with Van Persie

ESPN staff
March 14, 2012
Theo Walcott has enjoyed a prolific partnership with Robin van Persie this season © Getty Images
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Theo Walcott is delighted to finally get the chance to strike up a relationship with Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie on the pitch - rather than in the treatment room.

Walcott has been in great form in recent weeks, culminating in a performance against Newcastle United on Monday that saw him provide the assists for both Van Persie's opener and Thomas Vermaelen's winner - as the Gunners closed the gap on Tottenham in the Premier League table to one point.

Van Persie has already notched 33 goals this season, thanks in part to Walcott's service, and the young Englishman is delighted the pair have finally got the chance to strike up a fruitful relationship on the pitch, having been unable to play together on a regular basis in the past due to a litany of injuries and setbacks.

"Robin and myself have had a lot of years on the treatment bed," Walcott said. "He has always been there and I have always been there, so this is maybe the second year we have had a run together in the team.

"When I was on the treatment bed alongside him it was such a shame to see so much talent wasted. He has made up for lost time, I am sure of that. Without a doubt he has to be player of the year for me.

"In the future I'd like to play up front with him but if I am setting up goals then that is the most important thing.

"He is a great man, a great captain and is very important to this club. It means so much just to be on the pitch with him.

"You just give him anything and he will just put it away - left foot, right foot and he has scored a couple of headers as well. He makes it look easy and it isn't.

"Wayne Rooney is six goals behind him and he has had a fantastic season as well. It just shows you how good this man is.

"I'm also enjoying playing football at the moment, I'm still only 22 - 23 on Friday - so there is still a lot to come from me, I'm sure.

"I feel great, I've never played so much in my life on a consistent level for 90 minutes."

Having overcome a woeful start to the campaign, Arsenal now have a very real chance to overhaul their north London rivals and finish as the nearest challengers to the two dominant Manchester clubs - something Walcott feels is important.

"It's been an up and down season but it's the way you finish that matters," he said. "We're breathing down Tottenham's neck now and, hopefully, they can feel it. I am sure they are slightly worried. Finishing third is really important and, hopefully, we finish above Spurs as well.

"That is an even bigger bonus for the fans."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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