Arsenal 3 Burnley 1

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott has shown he is far from a soft touch.

The Gunners forward produced the perfect response to his critics after a subdued display in the midweek international against Egypt, with a positive performance and brilliant goal in the 3-1 Premier League win over Burnley.

Walcott, 21 later this month, showed an aggressive side to his game not often seen when confronting Daniel Fox after a sliding challenge during the first half, with memories of Aaron Ramsey’s broken leg still fresh in the Arsenal players’ minds.

Wenger, who had no problem with the tackle which took place right in front of the technical area, believes recent events show Walcott is now very much a man ready to face the challenges head on.

‘‘I have told him many times he is growing up now and standing up for himself and we see that in games,’’ said Wenger, whose side moved level on points with Chelsea, having played a match more.

‘‘He needs that. It is part of being a clever player, Theo has to understand that players playing against him have to know he is up for the fight.’’ Wenger added: ‘‘Theo is polite, but it does not mean he is nice. There is a difference.

‘‘When someone is polite, that comes from education.

Theo is a fighter and you saw that against Burnley.

‘‘If he came out and felt sorry for himself and didn’t try you would say he’s not a fighter, but what you got this week it shows he is.’’ Walcott, who scored a hattrick in the World Cup qualifying victory in Croatia in September 2008, has seen his progress this season hampered by injury.

‘‘You have to remember when a player has been out a long time, he needs time to get back to his sharpness,’’ Wenger said.

‘‘Today you only exist at the top level when you are really physically sharp and fit. Theo needs to sharpen up to make the difference with his runs.’’ Although Arsenal continued to keep the pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea with a fourth straight victory, it came at a cost.

Captain Cesc Fabregas had volleyed his team into the lead after 34 minutes, firing home after a clever chip from Samir Nasri for a 17th goal of the season.

However, the Spain international then went off after appearing to aggravate a hamstring problem, which had sidelined him for several weeks earlier in the campaign.

Wenger hopes it turns out to be nothing more than a twinge as Arsenal prepare for the Champions League second- leg clash against Porto at the Emirates Stadium, trailing 2-1 from the first match.

‘‘Cesc felt a tight hamstring, but it had not gone away,’’ said Wenger. ‘‘I am convinced it was in his mind to score a goal and then go off, knowing that his hamstring was tight.”