Theo Walcott: This is why I’m in such good form for Arsenal

The Arsenal winger has nine goals already this campaign after scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, equalling his total for the whole of last season.

But if he scores one more before Christmas, Walcott will receive a special gift from wife Mel, who gave birth to their second son Arlo this weekend.

Walcott said: “I want to get ten so I can get a coffee machine for Christmas from my wife! She said: ‘If you get ten goals before Christmas I’ll buy you this coffee machine’.

“So I can’t wait for that and hopefully it will happen. Coming from the wing as well, I’m obviously delighted with my goals so far.

“But I’m more delighted where the team is. There’s been a lot of ups and downs but hopefully this game can just make sure we’re back to the level we want to be at.”

Arsenal started the season with a defeat to Liverpool but have since gone 19 games unbeaten and are only three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Walcott is also thriving since his return to the wing after spending most of last season playing as a centre forward.

He said: “I sat down with the manager at the start of the season and said where I want to play so now I don’t have to think about anything else.

“And with that experience in the central position, if I find myself there hopefully I can tuck away the goals, which I have.

“I’m still working hard in training, in the gym and on the mental side of it. And making sure I have to time at home as well. Everything seems to be clicking.

“I just want to make sure I’m the best I can be every day going into training. If I can stay fit hopefully it can be a good season, not just for me but for everyone else.”