Arsenal ace Theo Walcott has expressed his relief over re-opening his account in Sunday's 3-2 win at Brighton & Hove Albion after spending 11 months out injured.
The England winger drilled home the opener within two minutes of kickoff at The Amex Stadium as the Gunners booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
It represented the 25-year-old's first goal since New Year's Day 2014, having spent the vast majority of last year on the sidelines with knee ligament damage.
"It's been a long time coming," he told Arsenal's official website. "I had a lot of chances since I have been back, but I have been out for a year so it is still going to take time.
"It is just nice to get some match fitness back. I was very pleased with the finish and there will definitely be many more.
"People will be expecting me to score every game now but it's all about getting the match fitness, sharpness and the goals back. The goal was a bonus."
Mesut Ozil added to Walcott's opener to give the FA Cup holders a 2-0 half-time lead, before Chris O'Grady reduced the arrears shortly after the break.
Tomas Rosicky re-established the visitors' lead on 59 minutes, while Sam Baldock closed the gap once more, but Arsene Wenger's side held on.
Shane Callaghan
