Published: 25 July, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

THEO Walcott has fired out an early warning to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals by declaring the club will “hit the ground running” when the new season kicks off.

Arsenal host Aston Villa in their opening game on August 17 followed by a trip to Fulham and then an earlier than usual north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates.

The Gunners’ summer search for a new striker, including a shock £40million bid for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, has so far failed to end in the marquee signing that the fans are desperate for. But that hasn’t stopped Arsene Wenger’s side finding the back of the net 17 times in three games during their pre-season Asia Tour.

Add that to an 11-game unbeaten run at the back end of the last campaign, and Walcott is adamant the squad is ready and raring to go. “We know what we need to do this season,” he said. “Everyone knows their jobs. “I think we can just take the positives out of the last 11 games of the season when we were undefeated. If we take that form into the start of the new season, we’ll be in good stead. Everyone is at the top of their game at the moment. Everyone’s very fit and, come the start of the season, we’ll be flying.”

Walcott is also tipping forgotten signing Ryo Miyaichi to play his part this season after watching him score his first goal for the club in a 3-1 victory over Nagoya Grampus Eight.

“He’s still very young but it was great that he got his goal,” the England international said. “He took it very well, it didn’t faze him at all.

“It’s been quite hard for him at times. He’s had his injuries but I think they are behind him now. He’s stronger and hopefully he can contribute to the team this season.”