Arsene Wenger has said Theo Walcott will prove his critics wrong if he can maintain his fitness and build on a promising start to the season.
Walcott played on the right wing in Arsenal's 3-1 win at Watford on Saturday, setting up the second goal for Alexis Sanchez and creating several other chances.
After failing to establish himself as a central striker last season, the former Southampton player is looking to revive his career on the wing.
Wenger told Arsenal's official website: "I said before the season started that we will get a different Theo Walcott this year.
"If he can maintain that focus, that desire and that fighting attitude then he will have a great season.
"I hope he has no [injury] setback because he is an intelligent player, he is focused and has a great desire to prove his critics wrong and he's on a good way."
Walcott, who has been called up to Sam Allardyce's first England squad, told the Arsenal website the Gunners had played some "breathtaking" football at Vicarage Road but added: "We don't want to get carried away."