Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is convinced they would be challenging for silverware this season if Robin van Persie had remained fit.

The Gunners are on course for a third-place finish and Walcott concedes that the injury to star striker Robin van Persie was a major thorn in their side.

"People say if we had Robin we could have a bit more of a chance," he said.

"Players that came in, Nicklas Bendtner's done fantastically well, scoring goals, and that's what you get judged on.

"We've had a lot of defensive problems as well but the likes of Sol (Campbell) have come in and done a great job."