Arsene Wenger was pleased by the way Theo Walcott shrugged off a bad start in Sunday's derby to play a key role in Arsenal's win.
Boss reveals Rosicky and Vermaelen are 'big doubts' for Liverpool
Arsene Wenger was pleased by the way Theo Walcott shrugged off a bad start in Sunday's North London derby to play a key role in Arsenal's win.
The England international endured a frustrating opening period against Tottenham, who had racked up a two-goal lead by the 34th minute thanks to goals from Louis Saha and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Bacary Sagna and Robin van Persie pegged Spurs back before half-time, although calls remained for Walcott to be replaced at the break.
However, the winger followed up a Tomas Rosicky effort with a second-half brace to complete a resounding 5-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
"The crowd were starting to get on his back and you wonder if you're doing him a favour if you leave him on," Arsenal boss Wenger said of Walcott.
"Considering the rest of the team were high on confidence, I felt that he has the qualities that we needed - a player who can be direct, go behind the defenders. Nobody else is like that.
Direct
"He is a very direct player. You know he can sometimes miss a first touch but still, considering the balance of our team, I felt it was important to keep him in our side."
Despite the many positives, the Gunners' victory was tarnished somewhat by both Rosicky and Thomas Vermaelen picking up knocks.
"Unfortunately we have some bad news for Rosicky today and Vermaelen as well," said Wenger.
"Vermaelen has an ankle problem and Rosicky a back problem. I don't think they will be available for [international duty on] Wednesday.
"Will they be available for Saturday [to face Liverpool]? There is a big doubt."
