Theo nets for Arsenal in first League start of the season

Sunday 01 Feb 2015
Theo Walcott celebrates his strike against Villa

Theo Walcott was on the mark for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as the Gunners were 5-0 victors over Aston Villa.

The England forward scored the third goal in their rout at the Emirates as Arsene Wenger's side moved above Tottenham Hotspur into fifth spot in the Premier League.

Walcott was making his first League start of the season, and followed up an FA Cup goal against Brighton last week with his first League strike in just over a year.

Chuba Akpom and Santi Cazorla

Chuba Akpom celebrates with Santi Cazorla

Frenchman Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, linking up with Mesut Ozil on seven minutes, and shortly after the break they combined once more for the German midfielder to get the second.

Then it was Walcott's turn to add his name on the score-sheet, receiving a pass from Santi Cazorla before curling into the corner from just inside the box with just over an hour gone.

Walcott, who was making his seventh appearance of the campaign as he continues his return from injury, went off with 20 minutes to go as England youngster Chuba Akpom came on. 

The 19-year-old, who has international honours for the Three Lions at U16s, U17s, U19s and U20s level, has now made five appearances for Arsenal this season.

A Cazorla penalty and one from Hector Bellerin wrapped up the win as England defenders Kieran Gibbs and Calum Chambers were unused substitutes for Arsenal.

England midfielder Fabian Delph and Tom Cleverley started for the visitors while Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has three England caps, and former Under-21s international Scott Sinclair came off the bench.

Jonjo Shelvey

Shelvey celebrates his winner at St Mary's

On the south coast, Swansea City beat Southampton thanks to a stunning late effort from England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

With the evenly-fought encounter looking destined for a 0-0 draw, the former Liverpool man, who has one senior international cap, struck past Three Lions keeper Fraser Forster with seven minutes to go at St Mary's.

The Saints were reduced to ten men in the closing moments as former England Under-21s left-back Ryan Bertrand was sent off for a foul on Modou Barrow.

Southampton also had England players James Ward-Prowse, Harrison Reed and Nathaniel Clyne in their side, while England Under-21 Tom Carroll lined up alongside Shelvey in the Swans midfield.

The result moves Garry Monk's outfit up to ninth in the Premier League, while Southampton stay in fourth spot.

By FA Staff