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Walcott: ‘It was like we’d won the World Cup Final’
James Olley12.03.09
Theo Walcott claims Arsenal's dramatic victory in Rome proves they have the character to challenge for major honours, writes James Olley.
The Gunners beat Roma 7-6 in a penalty shootout to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after losing 1-0 in 120 tense minutes at a raucous Stadio Olimpico.
Arsene Wenger's side have often been accused of a lack of fight in tough matches but Walcott says last night's result can reignite a bid for their first silverware since the 2005 FA Cup. “For such a young team who haven't experienced it to win on penalties just shows the character we have got in the whole side,” added the 19-year-old. “You should have been in the dressing room after the game — it was like we had just won the World Cup Final.
“The atmosphere is brilliant, even though there are all sorts of nationalities in there, we all get along and we're like family. They are just a brilliant bunch of lads to play with. We seem to have had our bad spell and now hopefully we can have a good one and push for those Champions League spots.
“But the main thing is now Saturday and the Premier League. We have to concentrate on that and forget about this.”
Walcott took the third penalty in the shootout and revealed he took his inspiration from former Southampton team-mate James Beattie. “It was my first penalty shootout,” he said. “I had a dry throat going towards the goal but I didn't look at the keeper once. I learned that from James Beattie. He's one of the best penalty takers I've seen.
“I didn't want to look at the keeper because sometimes they might put you off a little bit.”
The night was marred prior to kick-off when a coach carrying Arsenal supporters was attacked by a group of Roma fans.
Several windows were smashed and a flare was let off inside the bus before one supporter was stabbed in the knee.
Two other fans suffered head injuries in incidents outside the ground.
Reader views (10)
Both of these clubs would be the dark horses. Lets face it both played poorly last night. Roma were much better though and created a few chances and should have had a penalty. But Roma in Rome were not as good as Arsenal were in London. So Arsenal deserved it.
Both Roma (would have) and Arsenal will have key players back for the next game. You saw 2 teams who play good stuff but with limited squads.
- Bob, London
Rubbish performance, terrible penalty by Walcott, going out in the next round.
- Joss, Manila, Phillipines
win 4-0 like Lpool, 2-0 like Man U, or draw like Chelsea it real dont matter whether that 120 min elapsed without a shot from Arsenal on target.What matters is there are 8 teams in the quarter finals and Arsenal is one of them.
Man U won the Champions league last season on penalties does it make it less important than it really is?A WIN IS A WIN.There is no luck about winning.when these teams go out to play the sole aim is to win and qualify and thats exactly what Arsenal did.Love them or Hate them you will see them in the next round!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Dervosh, Eastbourne, UK
"I don't think the Roma goalkeeper made a single save"????? Well if he had have done, Roma would have won on penalties wouldn't they!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- The Windster, Gloucester
Like previous people have stated ..... nearly 5 years no silverware ..... scraped through against Roma ...... unlikely to win a trophy this season & they felt it was "like winning a world cup" after they lost in regular time 1-0 ......... words are not enough to express how stupid this sounds .....
- Melly, Cartagena
Good solid performance from a young team in a very hostile enviroment,everyone of the players deserves a slap on the back,Walcott showed maturity beyond his years stepping up and burying his spot kick.Over the 120 minutes there wasnt much between the two sides accept that Arsenal looked the fitter of the two in the last 30 minutes,to say Arsenal were "clueless"is well wide of the mark,at the end of the day we are now in the quarterfinals with our best players coming back from injuries,and look in good shape for the final stretch,in more than one competition.
- Jim Ex Pat, London, thailand
Lucky to get through. They were clueless for 120 minutes. I don't think the Roma goalkeeper made a single save.
- Rodney, Spain
Thought you had won the world cup ? This must have been Arsenals worst performance of the season. One or two shots on target in 120 minutes, lucky to still be in this competition, definately the worst team left. Will not win the FA cup. Arsenal just a average team. Nearly 5 years with no trophies. Says it all.
- Gelby, london
Great result..what are u on about...you lost the match,were greatly outplayed by a slow,ageing Roma side,where the paceless Totti pulled the strings..the gooners have no where near enough quality to win this competition,the 4 big guns,Liverpool,Man u,Chelsea and Barca are far superior and stronger...even ex gooners on the tv and radio agree with that..
- Evs, uxbridge
Great result from this fast improving young side. With Fabregas, Adebayor & Rosicky coming back from injury soon it will be an interesting finish to the season... challenging for a top four place, only Hull to defeat to reach the F A Cup semi-final & into the last 8 of the Champions League.
- Rob Gooner, North London
