Arsenal’s fortunes last season probably turned on conceding late in a 2-2 draw away to Birmingham City in February, when Eduardo da Silva suffered a terrible leg injury, but it may have also become a defining moment for Theo Walcott’s career at the club. The forward scored twice in the match and then enjoyed his best spell since signing from Southampton, notably a telling run that led to an equalising goal against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final, second leg in April.

Arsène Wenger, the manager, has challenged Walcott to become a first-team regular this season, improving on his 39 appearances in 2007-08. “At 19, no one has reached their potential,” Wenger said. “He can make big improvements.”

Wenger believes that Walcott can become a centre forward, but he has struggled there because he doesn’t like receiving the ball with his back to goal. “He is a runner, so we need a link player close to him, we need to find the right combination,” Wenger said.

Wenger has hinted that the club are unlikely to increase substantially their contractual offer to Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togo forward, who has attracted interest from Barcelona, has been offered about £45,000 a week.