Walcott shines in Arsenal's brand new stadium

HAVING GONE INTO WEEKEND celebrating the A-level results of his girlfriend, Theo Walcott has finally passed a significant test of his own. In only 17 minutes on the pitch, this 17-year-old football scholar showed signs of his much-heralded promise, suggesting that he will graduate with full honours from Arsène Wenger’s university of footballing arts.

On a day that Arsenal focused on the future in their impressive new Emirates Stadium, the youngest player in their squad gave them reason to look forward with relish. Walcott received a standing ovation on his 73rd-minute introduction against Aston Villa and the home fans never returned to their seats, standing transfixed as this callow youth energised the entire team, running at defenders, using the ball intelligently and providing the cross from which Gilberto Silva equalised in the 83rd minute.