Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the improvement Theo Walcott has made since the start of the season.
The 21-year-old starred as the Gunners progressed to the quarter-finals of the League Cup with a 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
Walcott grabbed a brace in the clash at St James’ Park, while a Tim Krul own goal and a Nicklas Bendtner strike secured the victory for Wenger’s men.
The Frenchman believes his winger has become "more composed" this season and has hailed the progression of the England international in recent months.
"[He is] more composed in front of goal, the timing of his runs has always been good but his first touch has improved and his intelligence is improving," he told Sky Sports.
"He has worked hard since the beginning of the season. [He was] flying at the start of the season but the injury he had [prevented him progressing]. It was a strong start and you could see today he is ready."
Wenger was forced into an early change as Kieran Gibbs limped off with a knee injury, and the Arsenal boss hopes the left-back is not set for another long-term lay-off.
When asked if the injury was serious, he said: "We hope not. It’s the knee, let’s hope it’s not a twist of the medial ligament. You never know, I’m cautious and the way he walks now doesn’t look too good."
Arsenal dominated the early stages against Newcastle and could have scored in the opening minute through Carlos Vela and Wenger feels his side could have taken their first half chances but says they were always a threat on the counter-attack.
"We had good performances, we had chances we didn’t take. We were lucky to score just before half-time. [In the] first half Newcastle defended well, we were dangerous because we had a lot of pace," he added.
"I felt Newcastle got many men behind the ball, for us it was more to be patient and wait for good counter-attacks and wait for our chances."
With Bendtner and Walcott both getting on the scoresheet, Wenger hopes his attackers can keep up their good run of late in front of goal.
The Gunners boss added: "You’re always happy when your strikers get goals, they got through without any injury. I think they’ll have a few days to recover."
Wenger has played strong line-ups in comparison to previous years for the League Cup this term and could do the same if his side remain injury free.
"It depends on the injuries we have. If everybody’s available we can field strong squads," he said, before playing down his side’s chances of ending their five-year trophy drought with League Cup success.
"If you don’t perform, you don’t win. Let’s be realistic, [keep our] feet on the ground. Let’s see who we get in the draw. You have to perform again in the next round."
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