Theo Walcott's match-winning treble in Arsenal's 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion suggests to Arsene Wenger that he is more than capable of playing as a striker.

Walcott, 26, netted in the fourth, 14th and 37th minutes as the Gunners hammered the Baggies on the final day of the season and the performance vindicated Wenger's decision to play him as a central forward ahead of Olivier Giroud.

"I have always said that he can play in the middle because he has good movement and good finishing. He did that well today," said the Frenchman.

"I hope he stays free of injuries now, he has had a few doubts on the injury front, and that is never good.

"You have to be consistently present to express your full potential."