Theo Walcott: 'There’s a couple more games so hopefully I can stake my claim to play in the FA Cup final'

Published: 18 May, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT   

Premier League
MAN UNITED 1, ARSENAL 1

THEO Walcott is hoping there's still time to play his way into the starting line-up for the FA Cup final after helping Arsenal earn a draw away at Manchester United on Sunday.

Walcott's deflected cross eight minutes from time saw the Gunners draw 1-1 at Old Trafford, all but securing a top-three finish – and with it automatic qualification into next season's Champions League.

Having replaced right-back Hector Bellerin in the 72nd minute, Walcott in now looking to be given a start when Sunderland visit the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. And he admits that when he does get out on the pitch, all thoughts will be on Wembley.

"I feel like I’m getting stronger, quicker," said the England international. "There’s a couple more games so hopefully I can stake my claim to play in the FA Cup final.

"It’s nice to be back amongst the squad. I had a year out injured and sometimes it takes that long to get back into the team.

"The manager was patient with me and I’ve been patient with myself as well. I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself by expecting to be where I was before I got injured."

Arsene Wenger's side were far from their best against United, and deservedly found themselves 1-0 down in the 30th minute when Ander Herrera volleyed home Ashley Young's cross.

The visitors finally came to life in the closing stages after Walcott and Jack Wilshere were brought off the bench.

The substitutions paid dividends eight minutes from time when Walcott’s cross deflected off Tyler Blackett and past former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes, who came on in the 74th minute for the injured David de Gea.

Despite what was a clear and telling deflection, Walcott was adamant just whose goal it was. "It was mine," he said. "You’ve got to take whatever you can get. It’s an important game and I’m definitely claiming it."

ARSENAL: Ospina, Bellerin (Walcott, 72), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla (Wilshere, 73), Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez (Flamini, 90), Giroud.
Substitutes not used: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Rosicky.