Theo Walcott says Arsenal Emirates Cup success is crucial to making strong Premier League start

Theo Walcott believes that success in the Emirates Cup will be key to ensuring that Arsenal get their Premier League season off to a fast start.

This is the ninth renewal of the pre-season tournament, with the Gunners having emerged victorious in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2015.

They will face Benfica and then Sevilla in consecutive days at Emirates Stadium, and Walcott has stressed the importance of winning these games.

“We’ve lost the opening game of the season over the past few years I think, so we need to make sure that pattern changes this year,” he told the club site.

"We’re playing against strong teams in all the games we’re playing in pre-season, so there’s no excuse for a slow start.

"This team’s had ups and downs but we need to start well first. Starting well is the main priority and then we’ve got to push on from there.

"The manager has said that right from the first day here; make sure there’s a fast start.

"That’s why it’s important for us to play these bigger teams in pre-season, to be mentally ready and switched on.

"We need to get into good habits, that’s the main thing. It’s all about a positive start — and results will make that happen."