Arsenal forward Theo Walcott insisted it was the team performance and not his own personal landmarks that were important after the Emirates FA Cup holders progressed with a 4-0 win at Hull City.
The Gunners, who had failed to win their previous five games prior to visiting Hull, booked a last-eight Cup tie at home to Watford thanks to a double from Walcott and two goals from Olivier Giroud.
Hull City 0-4 Arsenal
Emirates FA Cup
Fifth round replay
KC Stadium
Tuesday 8 March 2016
The win came at a cost for the Gunners with defenders Per Mertesacker and Gabriel both departing with injuries, while Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey also limped off with a thigh strain.
But despite the injury setbacks Walcott refused to be downcast, highlighting the drive and determination of Arsene Wenger’s men to hang on to their trophy.
“Goals breed confidence personally but what is more important is that the team wins. It’s all about the team tonight," he said.
Olivier Giroud celebrates his first goal of the night
“We got a clean sheet and that’s always the first thing on everyone’s list. We always know we’re going to score goals but as we look back on a great night, the only disappointment is the injuries that we have had."
Walcott grabbed his second after a superb dart off the left wing, and said of that strike: “I have been playing out on the left quite a lot and I have probably missed playing out on the wing – it's different challenge for me.
“The manager has got so many good options and I have always said I can play in any of the front three positions. Hopefully I have shown the manager what I can do but it’s about the team.
“We have got a good tie next. At home is always good to have that support from the crowd, the fans will behind us and we want to do well in this competition and hold on to the trophy.
“There’s a sense in the dressing room that we want to do it again this year and after that performance why not?”
Wenger admitted the win had come at a cost in terms of suffering further injuries to his already depleted squad but urged fans to stay behind the team after an indifferent period.
“I am in a bit of shock because we lost our two centre-backs in the game and then we lost Aaron Ramsey,” said Wenger.
“Mertesacker is not serious, just a bit of concussion, Gabriel also looks alright but I am a little bit more concerned about Ramsey because it’s a thigh injury.
“Apart from that we have played well.
“Watford is a good side and again it will be a very interesting tie. We play at home on Sunday now and we have some days to prepare so let’s see if we can recover one or two injuries and continue to play like we did today.
“To our fans all I will say is stay behind the team and judge our performances at the end of the season.”
