Arsenal ace Theo Walcott: Why victory over Swansea proves we are title contenders

THEO WALCOTT was delighted with his two goals for Arsenal against Swansea at the Emirates this afternoon.

The Gunners star helped his side to a 3-2 win over the Welsh side which was made more difficult after Granit Xhaka was sent off in the 70th minute.

Walcott put Arsenal 2-0 up before Gylfi Sigurdsson pulled one back with a fine curling effort leaving Petr Cech with no chance.

And in the second half Arsene Wenger’s side looked to have put the game beyond doubt when Mesut Ozil netted but the Swans once again hit back through substitute Borja Baston.

Walcott said: “It was a crazy game. On a personal note, I would have liked to have had the hat-trick but the three points is all that matters.

“I think I could have scored three or four today but the win is all that matters.

“That is a tough Swansea side – people definitely underestimate them. They caused us problems out there today.

“It’s always hard after the international break for everyone to get back into rhythm but I would rather have had a scruffy game and win so that’s all that matters.

“The belief has always been there in the dressing room. We have got players who have come in and have settled in well and we need to build in it.

“We are grinding out results when called upon and that was definitely a grind today.”

Arsenal are now second in the Premier League, level on points with Manchester City as Wenger searches for his first title triumph since 2004.