Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was delighted with the steel Theo Walcott showed in their win over Burnley.

Walcott, who turns 21 later this month, showed an aggressive side to his game not often seen when confronting Daniel Fox after a sliding challenge during the first half, with memories of Aaron Ramsey's broken leg still fresh in the Arsenal players' minds.

"I have told him many times he is growing up now and standing up for himself and we see that in games," said Wenger, whose side moved level on points with Chelsea, albeit having played a match more.

"He needs that. It is part of being a clever player, Theo has to understand that players playing against him have to know he is up for the fight."

Wenger added: "Theo is polite, but it does not mean he is nice. There is a difference.

"When someone is polite, that comes from education. Theo is a fighter and you saw that against Burnley.

"If he came out and felt sorry for himself and didn't try you would say he's not a fighter, but what you got this week it shows he is."