Football: Walcott's early strike means Gunners continue their ‘very strong run'
Monday, 6th May 2013
Published: 6 May, 2013
by PAUL COWLING
ARSENAL picked up three vital points in their quest for Champions League football with this hard-fought win at already relegated QPR.
The Gunners shot out of the blocks at Loftus Road and it took just 20 seconds for Theo Walcott to fire Arsenal into the lead for the fastest goal in the club's Premier League history.
"Theo's improved his finishing," said a smiling Arsene Wenger after the match.
Walcott had other chances to score too: a 25th-minute shot that QPR keeper Rob Green tipped onto the post, and a smart turn in the second half that brought another fine save.
QPR did improve, and gave the Gunners more of a game than they had expected.
"They (QPR) had quality and were fearless, and we had to be focused and determined,” said Wenger.
French international Loic Remy, rumoured to be transfer target for Wenger, had a quiet game, but still showed his own quality with one of his trademark whipped shots that forced a save from an otherwise redundant Wojciech Szczesny.
But it was Walcott's goal that proved to be the winner, putting the Gunners in a strong position for a top-four slot.
"We are up for it,” added Wenger. “We are ready for a fight and the team is highly focused to do it. We are on a very strong run."
Arsenal haven't looked back since the impressive 2-0 win away to Bayern Munich, and though they bowed out of the Champions League on away goals, Gunners fans can be optimistic they'll be playing in the same competition next season.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Arteta, Rosicky (Wilshere, 89), Walcott, Cazorla (Vermaelen, 89), Podolski (Oxlade-Chamberlain, 85).
Attendance: 18,178
