Every season, almost without exception, Theo Walcott steps up in a big game.

As a teenager, his first Arsenal goal came against Chelsea in a cup final. The Blues have been on the end of Walcott goals five times, more than he has scored against any club other than Newcastle United. Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a great record against Chelsea since he arrived at the club, but he has scored and assisted in wins in 2010 (3-1 at home), 2011 (5-3 away) and 2015 (1-0 at Wembley).

The assist for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Community Shield goal back in August came after Walcott had scored the opener in the FA Cup Final against Aston Villa at the same stadium back in May.

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Walcott celebrates scoring the opener in the 2015 FA Cup Final at Wembley. (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Tottenham have also conceded five goals to Walcott over the years, including two in the first 5-2 victory and another in the second 5-2 just nine months on.

As Manchester United came to the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, Walcott produced a huge performance and assisted twice. He also set up the goal at Old Trafford to rescue a point after coming off the bench towards the end of last season.

The side he supported as a boy, Liverpool, faced a marauding Walcott run in a make-or-break Champions League quarter final back in 2008, one round after he had helped the Gunners seal a famous win against holders AC Milan with a spectacular assist.

Theo Walcott is thanked by Emmanuel Adebayor after assisting him at San Siro. (DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)
Theo Walcott is thanked by Emmanuel Adebayor after assisting him at San Siro. (DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images)

And now Manchester City. On a massive night at the Emirates Stadium, Walcott scored what was possibly the best goal of his career. It was certainly one of the biggest, and may yet prove to be one of the biggest Arsenal have scored in quite some time.

There are flaws to his game, of course, but Theo Walcott can never be accused of lacking bottle under pressure. When Arsenal need someone, and when they need someone in a big match, he’s the man to turn to.