The Gunners came out on the front foot at Molineux and were rewarded for their efforts when they earned a ninth-minute penalty after Walcott was fouled by Sebastien Bassong in the box.

With Wolves down to 10 men after Bassong was dismissed for the challenge, Robin van Persie converted the spot-kick before Walcott and Yossi Benayoun sealed Arsenal's triumph.

Walcott told Sky Sports: "I think that's what we want to do. When we come away from home we need to be right on the front foot.

"The early goal sort of settled our nerves a bit and we could get the ball down, pass it. The high line came into my hands really, it helped me score my first goal as well.

"These are the games where we need to win."

The winger was booed by the home fans after he went to ground off Bassong's tackle, but the youngster says he had no choice after being caught by the Wolves stopper.

Clipped

He said: "I was running at so much pace and the guy clipped me.

"I'm an honest guy, I try to stay on my feet. I'm not going to go to ground when I'm through on goal.

"It's a shame to see a red card but I can't change that decision."

Wolves remain rock-bottom of the Premier League table but Walcott believes they still have a chance of sidestepping the drop.

He said: "Wolves are finding it tough at the moment but if they played as they did in patches today, I'm sure they hopefully will be fine."