Thierry Henry heaps praise on Theo Walcott following Manchester United demolition

Theirry Henry believes Theo Walcott's performance against Manchester United makes him the prime candidate to start for Arsenal week in and week out in a centre-forward role. The Gunners were crying out for a striker in the recently concluded transfer window but with Walcott playing brilliantly after being given an extended run, the distress has subsided.

Walcott did not get on the score-sheet against the Red Devils but made two assists the first time since 2012. He also scored in midweek against Olympiacos, albeit in a losing cause where defensive frailties and individual errors cut a sorry state for the north London club.

However, with the whole team playing as a unit like they did against United, Walcott showed what he is capable of and Henry believes that the England international is finally living up to his potential. The 26-year-old was out for over a year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and only returned to the first team earlier in 2015.

"He wasn't selfish. He set up goals, held up the ball, showed a great awareness for Alexis Sanchez's first assist in the game," Henry said, as quoted by Goal.

"He didn't score but he was a threat. There was desire, two assists and the crowd loved it.

"With what he did against United and the way he has been answering the call recently -- if he can play like that every weekend he has to start."

Walcott's rise has forced Wenger to push Olivier Giroud to the bench, who has three goals in his eight outings thus far in the league. The Frenchman has been Arsenal's first choice scorer in the past three seasons, but is likely to play a more distant part in the team this time around.

Danny Welbeck, Arsenal's third choice striker, is out with a knee injury and is expected to return to full team action in early 2016. Joel Campbell has made a few substitute appearances for the team but is yet to convince the manager of his qualities.