Fit-again Podolski thrilled with return

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has spoken of his elation at returning to the pitch from a hamstring injury.

The German international missed four months of football after tearing his hamstring against Fenerbahce in August, but came off the bench to score in their London derby success over West Ham on Boxing Day.

"When you are out for a long time it is not easy, but I'm happy to be back," Podolski told the Daily Mail.

"I've never had muscle problems before so it was a new experience and not easy.

7 European Footballers As Superheroes

7 Thor – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Thor possesses a large hammer and has the ability to control the weather to his own suiting. Considering the incredible confidence and self-belief that he has, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he believed he could do something like this. Thor also has heavy resistance to physical injury, which would coincide with Zlatan’s idea that he is untouchable. He also called himself ‘God’ when speaking to a reporter prior to Sweden’s World Cup play-off against Portugal this year.

6 Captain America - Clint Dempsey

This is pretty self-explanatory, as Clint Dempsey is the captain of the United States National side. The creation of Captain America had a patriotic origin, and this coincides with Dempsey’s pride and passion in leading his national side. Dempsey is known for recording the then fastest goal in the nation’s history of World Cup qualifying, netting as early as 53 seconds in a crushing 8-0 win over Barbados.

                                     

Arsenal Fc vs Manchester City Report - Walcott helps Gunners blow away Pellegrini's men

The Premier League runners-up controlled possession but were put to the sword by a ruthless and clinical performance from the north Londoners, with the winger hugely influential.

Arsenal laid down a marker ahead of the new Premier League season by defeating Manchester City 3-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki in the two sides' final pre-season fixture.

The Gunners took an early lead, somewhat against the run of play, as Theo Walcott raced through on goal and effortlessly chipped the ball into the back of the net.

Walcott backs Sanogo to shine for Arsenal

The France youth international is Arsene Wenger's only signing so far this summer and the forward is impressed by his new team-mate's early promise at the Emirates Stadium

Theo Walcott has spoken highly of new team-mate Yaya Sanogo's debut despite Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray on Sunday.

The France youth international is the Gunners' only signing so far this summer and played an hour in the pre-season Emirates Cup match before being replaced by Olivier Giroud.