Walcott still a wing man for Wenger

Arsene Wenger is convinced Theo Walcott can become one of the best strikers in England but will keep him on the wing for at least another season.

Walcott scored the the only goal of the game as the Gunners won at Sunderland, where he started in midfield with Emanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner paired up front.

"In the future Theo will be a striker," said manager Wenger. "But for him, education-wise, it's fantastic to play in the middle.

"In the future I see him as a central striker but next season I still see him on the flanks."

At least Wenger is willing to accept that Walcott is finally ready to force his way into the Arsenal first team week in, week out. He added: "Theo started the season as a promising young player but he finished the season as a guy who is ready to fight for a place in the starting line-up."