Wenger: Walcott can be prolific for Arsenal

Do you agree? The England international staked a significant claim to start at centre-forward in future at the Emirates, as he opened the scoring with a cool finish against Mark Hughes’ men.

And Wenger has backed the 26-year-old to become a clinical centre-forward throughout the 2015-16 season.

"Theo Walcott scored a great goal. It required technical ability to finish. He can become a prolific goalscorer,” he told reporters.

"We created chances from the first to the last minute. We have stabilised our defensive record. This is good for our future.”

Wenger also praised his defensive players for their performances against Stoke, and brushed aside questions of the upcoming trip to Chelsea, with Arsenal set to face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League first.

"Koscielny and Coquelin were outstanding. Gabriel had a very good game as well,” he added.

"We are looking to play well in Zagreb. We will then see what to do against Chelsea."