Walcott made his return to the Gunners' first XI on Saturday following a prolonged period in the treatment room and turned in a typically lively performance as Arsenal ran in four unanswered goals against Blackburn.

The former Southampton forward has done the majority of his growing up firmly in the public eye and, after going to the 2006 World Cup as an unknown teenager, expectations have been high since day one.

Walcott started to deliver on his considerable promise at the start of the season, starring for both Arsenal and England, before a shoulder injury disrupted his campaign.

But he is now fit and firing once again and he is ready to inspire Wenger's side to a strong end-of-season run-in, starting with the FA Cup quarter-final against Hull tomorrow night.

Asked about Walcott's impressive return to the starting line-up, the Frenchman said: "He made a very good start and he became stronger and stronger.

"He gives us something that is important as well when we play home. He goes behind the defenders and creates room and he has a direct game. We need that, especially at home.

"It is important to have him back and he gives you something that can make a difference in any game.

"Compared to one year ago there is no comparison , that is what people sometimes have problems to accept. At that age, every three months you go higher up but how much, you can never predict.

"But there is still a lot more to come from Theo."

Another player who made a big impact at the Emirates on Saturday was Russian import Andrey Arshavin, who had a hand in two goals and scored a superb, individual second himself.

The January signing is ineligible for the Gunners' Champions League having already appeared for Zenit St Petersburg but is clear to take part in the cup campaign, having now been registered for the competition, and full-back Bacary Sagna believes he can be key to Arsenal's prospects.

"Arshavin cannot play in Europe but he had a good game against Blackburn and it will be good to have him for the cup games," said Sagna.

"I think he was outstanding at the weekend, he scored a great goal, it came naturally and I think he was very happy about it.

"Every time he plays he is good and he can play on the right, on the left and up front as well.

"He has shown he can score now and he is an important player who can do well in this team.

"He can play like that, pass the ball and arrive in different positions. He showed all of that (against Blackburn) and also his power. He is not very tall but he knows how to deal with that."