Arsenal winger Walcott hopes Burnley performance silences critics

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott hopes his goal scoring performance against Burnley has silenced his critics.

Walcott had come in for criticism following a subdued display in the midweek international friendly against Egypt at Wembley - with former England winger Chris Waddle claiming he "doesn't understand the game".

However, the Gunners youngster, who turns 21 later this month, produced the perfect response on the pitch which was capped with a fine goal in the 3-1 win.

"I have had so many injuries this season, people don't realise how hard it is to come back from setbacks after setbacks after setbacks," said the former Southampton trainee.

"You can't be at your best straight away and if you think you can, then you put more pressure on yourself. That's what I had been doing this season."

Walcott continued: "I heard what has been going on and what he [Waddle] said, but I don't listen to people on the outside of football.

"I listen to people around me - the boss [Arsene Wenger], Mr Capello, my family and the people around me.

"I have got fantastic people who look after me. I am very level headed and keep my feet on the ground.

"The best thing is I do know what's going on on the outside, but I don't listen to it, I only listen to people around me.

"It's doesn't bother me whatsoever - maybe if I keep performing like that it will shut people up."