Merson hopes Walcott can continue form

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
28 Aug	3:00 PM	P	Blackburn Rovers (A)	2	1	Win

Paul Merson was pleased to see Theo Walcott get a hat-trick against Blackpool last week, and hope he can go into Arsenal's game against Blackburn this weekend with confidence.

Walcott's lack of consistency last season saw him miss out on a place in England's World Cup squad, but the youngster seems determined to take his game to a new level this year.

Merson admits he'd like to see a bit more arrogance in Walcott's game, so he can continue to play without fear.

Merson told Sky: "He did well to score three against Blackpool - and you can only beat what's put in front of you - but he wasn't too special when he came on against Liverpool. This is a big match for him, but he should be full of confidence.

"Sometimes you get the impression he doesn't feel like he deserves to be on the pitch. I'm not saying he should walk out with the arrogance of an Eric Cantona, but he needs to discover a bit more confidence. If he finds it, he could have a big season - and he's made a great start."

Merson also tipped Marouane Chamakh for big things before the season started, but has been disappointed with what he has seen so far.

The former Gunners midfielder believes Chamakh should have made more of the opportunities he got against Blackpool, but is willing to give him time to adapt.

He said: "I thought he was poor against Liverpool, which was a tough first game, and he should have scored more than Walcott did against Blackpool.

"He won't get that many chances against Blackburn, but we have to give him time to adjust. You can't pass judgement on him yet."

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