Theo Walcott praises Arsenal for finally 'sorting out' defensive problems this season

Theo Walcott believes Arsenal have "sorted out" their defences problems after cruising past Ludogorets Razgrad courtesy of a 6-0 scoreline tonight.

Mesut Ozil scored a hat trick and Alexis Sanchez, Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were also on target as the Gunners tightened their grip on top spot in Group A.

Arsenal's attack tore the Bulgarian champions to shreds in the second half but Walcott was keen to praise Arsenal's defence, which has conceded just one goal in three games in Europe's primary club competition this term.

Defensive issues have plagued the progress of Arsene Wenger's side in recent years and Walcott is confident they are now in the past as the club attempts to progress further than the round of 16 for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

"We always say we want to keep a clean sheet, that's always our first goal, and we managed to do that," he told BT Sport.

"We know how well we are going forward and it was all about sorting ourselves out at the back and we've managed to do that this season.

"The performances are coming. The scoreline may suggest it was quite easy but it was far from easy. So we can be proud of that and look forward to the weekend now.

"Everyone was very focused and ruthless and it's a great result going into the weekend. The whole team is flying with confidence at the moment."

Arsenal have moved to the top of Group A in the wake of tonight's convincing victory but Paris Saint-Germain are hot on their heels with only goal difference separating the two sides.

Failure to secure top spot has cost the Gunners dearly in previous years and Walcott is hopeful he and his teammates can finish the job this time around.

"Obviously the past is the past, we need to focus on the now," he added.

"We can't be looking too far ahead, we will focus on our recovery now and then Middlesbrough and when we cross that bridge we've still got a lot to do, a couple of tough away games, but who knows?

"We would obviously like to be in that strong position, finishing top, but we need to keep performing to reach our goal."