Arsene Wenger hails Theo Walcott's 'character and intelligence' as Arsenal boss says: 'I always thought there was something special with this guy'

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Arsene Wenger has praised 'special' Theo Walcott after the Arsenal forward scored in the 3-0 derby demolition of Chelsea on Saturday.

The Gunners ended a near six-year wait for victory over the Blues in emphatic fashion at the Emirates Stadium, with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil also on target.

Walcott's strike was his third in the Premier League this season - just two shy of his haul for the whole of last term - and Wenger paid tribute to the 27-year-old's commitment to improving himself over recent months.

Theo Walcott celebrates his strike for Arsenal in their 3-0 victory over Chelsea

Arsene Wenger paid tribute to his forward's 'character and intelligence' after the game

Walcott's first-half goal was his third Premier League strike of the season so far

'I said many times at the start of the season that we would see a different Theo Walcott. I could see he made a decision and sticks to it,' the Frenchman said.

'I always felt there was character in this boy and intelligence. Walcott used to be 90 per cent forward and 10 per cent defending - now he does it 50-50 and does the job in both ways with commitment.'

Walcott's England career has spluttered and stalled of late, with the former Southampton man stuck on 44 caps for the national side after missing out on the European Championship squad in the summer.

Wenger still feels his player can offer plenty to the Three Lions, however.

Wenger praised the England international's commitment after recent international struggles

'Theo is a special case; at 16 he went with England to the World Cup in 2006, now we are in 2016 and he has still not played at a World Cup,' he said.

'It was a big blow for Walcott not to go to the Euros. I spoke with him about the disappointment of not going with England.

'He has matured and, when a player survives these disappointments after what you have promised at 16 and the way he dealt with the situations, I always thought there was something special in this guy.' 

The frontman only scored five Premier League goals in the whole of last season