Theo Walcott admits the news of Manchester United’s shock defeat at Wolves instantly lifted the mood in the Arsenal camp in the wake of the Gunners’ four-goal capitulation against Newcastle.
Arsene Wenger’s men drew 4-4 after conceding four goals in 22 second-half minutes at St James’ Park but ended up closing the gap on leaders United to four points after Wolves sealed an unlikely 2-1 win at Molineux later on Saturday evening.
Walcott admits he did not dare look his manager in the eye after he and his team-mates had squandered their four-goal lead on Tyneside.
“None of us wanted to look the boss in the eye,” said Walcott. “It was such a disappointment. When you are 4-0 up and want to win the league, it shouldn’t happen, even if you have a man sent off.
“Newcastle taught us a lesson. They showed us how to play against 10 men. We are known for keeping the ball. On Saturday we didn’t.”
The 21-year-old England winger revealed that the news of United’s defeat helped the Gunners put a positive spin on proceedings after their trip back to north London.
“When we landed at Luton, we all put on our phones and had a little check,” he said. “Everybody had grins on their faces. It changed the mood. It changed the boss’ mood as well.
“He would have gone home thinking it was a point gained and something we can build on. The first half performance was the best I have been involved in.
“I watched it again on Match of the Day. I couldn’t change the result and I didn’t want to sulk. I wanted to see my goal as well.”
And Walcott remains confident Arsenal, who play Birmingham in the League Cup final later this month, can end their six-year trophy drought this season.
The Arsenal winger added: “I definitely think this is our best chance of winning some silverware. We haven’t won trophies for a long time. This is the year we need to.