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Arsenal winger Theo Walcott was delighted to get his first start since coming back from a serious knee injury in the Gunners' 2-0 FA Cup third round win over Hull at the Emirates.
The England international made two substitute appearances in November but picked up a groin problem in the second against Swansea.
Walcott was again a substitute in Arsenal's New Year's Day win at former club Southampton.
January 4 was a significant date for Walcott, with it being a year to the day since he suffered ligament damage to his left knee against Tottenham and the 25-year-old was understandably delighted to start against Hull.
"It's amazing. It has been a year nice to the day, so to get my first start and blow cobwebs away, I was pleased," he told BBC Sport.
Player Ratings: Arsenal v Hull City
"Mentally (is the toughest thing). You have to see how you can cope with watching your team-mates going out to train and you're only one in the treatment room, but it gave me the opportunity to build on something."
A Per Mertesacker goal and Alexis Sanchez's 16th Arsenal strike saw the Gunners into the fourth round.
"I think we were fairly comfortable," Walcott added. "He (Sanchez) is a special player and it is great to be on pitch with him."
