Theo Walcott - cup final focus

Here, Press Association Sport's Jim van Wijk evaluates the impact of the England forward as the Gunners coasted to a 4-0 victory to retain the trophy.

BODY LANGUAGE

Walcott, who missed last season's final, was all smiles as he walked out at Wembley and was soon in the thick of the action, collecting a pass at the edge of the area and moving into space but was flagged offside. The 26-year-old, who has yet to commit his long-term future the Gunners, wheeled away with a roaring celebration in front of the Arsenal fans after firing the opening goal five minutes before half-time. Continued to show a good work-rate as Arsenal closed out the match.

LINK-UP PLAY

Always playing on the last defender, Walcott looked to get himself behind the Villa back line with lightning pace, but produced a couple of heavy early touches when attempting to get a run through on goal. Quick to bring in other players on the overlap, such as Aaron Ramsey, and also offered the out ball to Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez as Villa were stretched across the back line.

FINISHING

Walcott, who scored a hat-trick in the final Barclays Premier League match against West Brom, had a great chance to open the scoring on 25 minutes, but his goal-bound effort was superbly blocked by Kieran Richardson. However, there was little any of the Villa defence could do about Walcott's goal just before half-time, when he leathered the ball into the net from close range. Had a header saved at point-blank range, but flagged offside and almost got in one on one, but for a fine saving tackle from last man Jores Okore. Skewed his shot wide from an angle after being played clear by Ramsey with 15 minutes left, which proved to be his last action before replaced by Olivier Giroud.

IMPACT

A fine all-round display by the Arsenal forward, who left the Wembley pitch to a standing ovation from the yellow-clad Gunners in the east stands and will now go away with England on international duty before talks over a contract extension resume ahead of the new season.