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Theo Walcott today revealed he signed a new contract with Arsenal because he believes the squad have been together long enough to finally deliver silverware this season.
The 20-year-old agreed a new long-term deal with the club in May despite enduring a four-year trophy drought that stretches back to the 2005 FA Cup success.
Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson were among several players to agree extensions this summer and Walcott believes the unity in the dressing room, supplemented by Thomas Vermaelen's arrival from Ajax, has led his team-mates to the brink of glory.
"I signed because I have got a lot of belief in the club and in the team," said the England winger, who is expected to be available for Sunday's visit of Blackburn as he regains match fitness following a back injury.
"We have gained a lot of experience over the last few years and although we haven't won any trophies, I think that will change this year.
"If you want to win trophies, it is important to keep the group together - Manchester United are a good example of that.
"This summer, Robin, Nicklas, Kieran [Gibbs] and a few others signed new contracts and I firmly believe we can win things here. We've also added to the squad with Thomas Vermaelen and for me he is a top lad. He's our top scorer too!
"He has settled in really well and he's such a nice guy. I have trained with him a few times now and he's a very tough competitor.
"He has got an absolutely great leap on him too - he will win a header against anyone. I reckon he would beat Peter Crouch in the air."
That togetherness in the squad has been extended in recent weeks to third-choice goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who made his fourth appearance of the season in Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League victory over Olympiakos.
The 21-year-old produced a superb display in repelling Fulham at Craven Cottage and captain Cesc Fabregas believes Mannone's new found confidence is already resonating throughout the team.
"Vito was named man of the match against Fulham and it was well deserved - he was outstanding and we were all very happy for him," said Fabregas. "The third keeper is someone who not many people talk about and he's a quiet guy so it is good for his confidence too.
"In your career you always need one great game to start things off well - he had that game on Saturday and now everyone knows who Vito Mannone is."
Reader views (2)
When he arrived at Arsenal he was used as an impact player for the last fifteen minutes.Four years on isn't it still the same really as he can't play a full ninety minutes?
Big season for Theo
- Harry Jones, Barnet, 02/10/2009 10:18
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I would like to see Theo step up his game & regulary terrorise opposing defences, much as Aaron Lennon has done recently for Tottenham.
- Rob Gooner, North London, 01/10/2009 12:52
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