The Gunners finally ended their hoodoo against the Blues with a 3-1 triumph at Emirates Stadium which boosted their championship challenge and left Carlo Ancelotti's off-form side in fifth place.

However, there is little time for Arsenal to revel in a first win over Chelsea in six attempts as they face Wigan at the DW Stadium without suspended captain Cesc Fabregas.

Walcott - who helped create Arsenal's second goal just after the break and then netted a quick-fire third to put the hosts in command - knows there can be no room for complacency or any margin of error, with the Gunners three points behind leaders Manchester United.

"These games are very important, just as big as the games against Chelsea," Walcott said. "We need to go there and show what champions are made of.

"We have to go on a run of wins. If you want to be champions and win the league you need to go to places like Wigan and win. We would be disappointed if we win against Chelsea and then lose at Wigan.

"The Christmas period is massive, it's so busy, a lot of points are dropped, so we need to catch up by getting points."

While Chelsea may not have presented the same challenge as in previous meetings, Arsenal nevertheless were good value for what could prove to be a big three points.

Alex Song swept them ahead just before half-time before Walcott and Fabregas capitalised on some poor Chelsea defending to put the game beyond the visitors.

It was certainly an improved performance from their last Premier League match at Manchester United, when skipper Fabregas claimed they had been "scared of losing" before eventually going down 1-0.

Arsene Wenger's squad returned fresh from their two-week break following the snow postponements to deliver a performance which, if sustained, should see them last the distance in the title race.

"The Manchester United game we had spells where we weren't at our best, against Chelsea that was our best," Walcott added.

"The likes of Barcelona do it every week. We just need to continue to do that.

"When we have got the ball we are fantastic, but sometimes when we don't it is a different story.

"Against Chelsea we showed how great we were off the ball. However, we can't just do it in one match, we need to do it in every game."

Walcott started on the bench at Old Trafford, but justified his return to the starting XI against Chelsea with an electric display, giving former Gunner and England team-mate Ashley Cole the run-around.

Wenger was pleased to see his selection pay off, feeling Walcott offered his team some balance.

The 21-year-old has nine goals from 16 appearances, but could find himself back on the bench tomorrow as Wenger looks to keep players fresh during a busy period.

"It was nice to get in the starting line up and show the boss what I can do. Hopefully I can stay there now. I just have to play well when I can," said Walcott, who was sidelined for several weeks after suffering an ankle injury on England duty in September.

"I know it's going to be a tough period, there's going to be chops and changes, I know that because it's very busy.

"There's a lot of games, you don't want to put too much work on yourself. I'm sure there will be a lot of changes on Wednesday but I feel fit, I'm ready to go.

"I have been practising my crossing and finishing when I can after training - when they let me because I don't want to kill myself.

"It's just something I have worked on and hopefully it can continue because I have missed a lot of the season so far.

"I have got nine goals and I'm pleased with that and hopefully that can continue."