Theo Walcott insists he's a 'completely different' player for Arsenal this season

Changed man: Theo Walcott
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Sam Long27 September 2016

Theo Walcott believes he is a "completely different" player for Arsenal this season.

Walcott struggled for game time last term and slipped down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger, which cost him a place in England's Euro 2016 squad.

But the 27-year-old has started the current campaign with a new lease of life and marked his 350th appearance for the Gunners with a goal in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

Walcott has now scored three goals in six Premier League appearances this season and looks set to retain his place for the visit of Basel in Wednesday's crucial Champions League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

The England forward is relishing such a prominent run of regular game time and is adamant he feels refreshed after overcoming the difficulties of last season.

"I found it difficult towards the end of last season, I didn't get many opportunities," Walcott told a pre-match press conference.

"I spoke to many people and woke up something in my system - I am completely different.

"I just want to do better and better, after all the faith people have had in me," he added.

Wenger believes failing to make the grade with the Three Lions was a significant blow for Walcott and the midfielder is determined to put himself first as he looks to solidify his place in Arsenal's starting line up.

"Maybe in the past I was thinking about others rather than myself, and I think it's about getting the balance right.

"There are always ups and downs, but it's all about now, and now it is going well," Walcott insisted.

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