Inexperience is no longer an excuse, says Theo Walcott

No more excuses: Theo Walcott
11 April 2012

Theo Walcott maintains Arsenal can no longer use inexperience as an excuse for failing to deliver when it matters most.

The Gunners saw another campaign which promised so much end without silverware for a fifth successive year.

Indeed, arch-rivals Tottenham could yet overtake Arsene Wenger's men for third place - and with it secure direct qualification to the Champions League group stages - should they suffer a shock home defeat to Europa League finalists Fulham on Sunday.

Much has been made about Wenger's continued faith in the promise of youth, with the Gunners boss insisting his squad will be stronger for having come through the last couple of testing campaigns.

Walcott, 21, feels the players have learnt some hard lessons, having seen their title chances blown away with successive defeats at Spurs and then Wigan, when they led 2-0 with 10 minutes left.

"We can't use the experience as an excuse now, with the experiences we've had as a side - we need to go that one step further," Walcott declared.

"It has been quite hard at times. We had a lot of injuries to big players and it has been very frustrating.

"Myself as well, I have had a lot of injuries this season."

Walcott added on Sky Sports News: "People say if we had had Robin [van Persie] we would have had a bit more of a chance and I am pretty sure if we had had him we would have had more of a chance.

"We had a lot of defensive problems as well, but the likes of Sol [Campbell] came in and did a great job.

"Nicklas Bendtner's done fantastically well. He has scored goals and that's what you will be judged on."

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