Theo Walcott admits Man United defeat lifted Arsenal spirits

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.