Theo Walcott scores thumping header for Arsenal (Video)

Theo Walcott has opened the scoring for Arsenal against Basel with a terrific header after great work from Alexis Sanchez down the left flank.

Arsenal are on fire. Your defense is terrified.

That is the overriding feeling within the Emirates currently. After the weekend’s performance, in which Arsene Wenger’s men utterly thrashed London rivals Chelsea with a blistering combination of attacking pace and precision accompanied with a defensive steel that Arsene Wenger was quick to praise after full time.

Now, in the early stages of their next game, the Gunners are once again playing with a confidence that has not been seen for some time within the squad. Santi Cazorla and Granit Xhaka are pulling  the strings from midfield to great effect, while the pace and intelligent movement of Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott, benefiting from a central striker in Alexis Sanchez who is roaming throughout the park are giving the Basel defenders fits.

Such attacking exuberance was on full display for the opening goal of the night. Cazorla, with far too much time in the middle of the park, clips a delightful ball down the inside left channel for Sanchez. The Chilean reaches the ball just before the by-line, simply lifts it into the penalty area, and the drive and determination of Walcott ensured that he was the man to meet it with a powerful header putting his side 1-0 up.

It was a terrific goal from Arsenal and one that now puts them in prime position to secure the three points.