10 Theo Walcott Performances That Show Why Arsenal Must Keep Him

10. Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague - 23.10.07

While he had already appeared for England ill-advisedly quickly prior to the 2006 World Cup, Walcott really announced himself as a player capable of match winning quality in this record-equaling Champions League tie.

An impressive performance a few days earlier, coming off the bench against Bolton to set up a goal for Tomas Rosicky, saw Walcott rewarded with a place in the starting line-up.

The 18 year old seized the chance of his first Champions League start by becoming the youngest Englishman to score in the competition, capitalising on a goalkeeping error to round the keeper and slot the ball between two defenders. 

Ten minutes into the second half he picked up a pass from Alexander Hleb and raced in from the left flank to fire in a goal that drew comparisons with Thierry Henry.

"Theo is calm and clinical in front of goal," Wenger would say after the match as his team picked up a 12th successive win. It was performances like this that made Walcott a first team regular for the first time that season.