Emirates Stadium was treated to an 10 goal thriller on Saturday, with Theo Walcott taking centre stage in a 7-3 victory over Newcastle.
Arsene Wenger handed Walcott the responsibility of leading the Gunners front line--his favoured position--and the response was electric, scoring a hat-trick and earning man of the match honours.
It was the perfect ending to 2012--a complete performance by the hosts, showing great determination to make sure all three points were secured, despite a valiant effort by the Magpies.
Arsenal held the lead on three separate occassions, only to see Newcastle battle back each time. Judging by the history between these two clubs--remember the four goal comeback by the Magpies in February 2011--the mood was tense inside the Emirates.
But, Walcott turned out to be the saviour by scoring his second of the match in the 73rd minute to ease Wenger's anxiety. Another three goals followed before the final whistle, with Walcott collecting the match ball with his third tally--also adding two assists.
As Thierry Henry cheered from the stands, watching his successor produce one of his best performances of the season, the importance of Walcott signing a contract extension were heightened. Wenger successfully transitioned Henry from a wide-man to one of the Premier League's best strikers, and hopes to do the same with Walcott should he convince him to stay in North London.
After Saturday, clubs might test Arsenal's resolve and table a significant bid for Walcott in January. In his last seven league matches, Walcott has scored six goals and five assists--having netted 14 times total in all competitions with eight deliveries.
Wenger must act fast to avoid losing yet another one of his top players in the summer, but, this time for free and without compensation.
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