Walcott hoping to lead the line in Arsenal's Champions League push

The England international is the Gunners' leading scorer this season, and is hoping for more opportunities to play as a striker after being deployed on the wing recently

Theo Walcott is confident that he has what it takes to fire Arsenal to Champions League qualification this season.

The England international is the Gunners' leading scorer with 19 goals in all competitions, but was again deployed on the wing as Lukas Podolski replaced the suspended Olivier Giroud against Manchester United.

The 24-year-old hit the back of the net nonetheless, and is hoping for more opportunities to demonstrate his goal-scoring touch from a central position.

"I played a few games there and I would like a few more towards the end of the season," he told the official Arsenal matchday programme.

"I scored a lot of my goals this season when playing up front, so I have shown what I can do and it is up to the manager to do what he sees is best.

"I am sure another chance will come. I set a 20-goal target for the season, but the biggest goal for me is to help Arsenal finish third or fourth."

Walcott is aware that the club's hopes of a top four finish do not rest solely on the attackers' shoulders, and believes that Wenger's men have demonstrated an improved defensive resilience this season.

"What it comes down to is that if you keep clean sheets, you are going to win games," he continued. "The likes of Manchester United have shown that very effectively.

"In recent years we may have faded slightly at the end of games with the pressure of being 1-0 up, losing late on at Fulham last season for example. But I think everyone here is very focused on doing their jobs correctly.

"If we all work hard for each other then good things should hopefully follow."