ARSENAL'S Theo Walcott is happy for his side to play the role of underdogs going into next week's Champions' League second leg at Anfield.

Walcott replaced the injured Robin van Persie at half time at the Emirates and unnerved Liverpool with his searing pace down either flank; a quality that, allied with his close ball control, he is beginning to master and use to good effect.

With all things considered, the young Englishman (pictured) will fancy his chances of a place in the starting XI for the second leg.

And he believes all the pressure will be on Liverpool to progress, which will enable the Gunners to play with the freedom they thrive on.

"People can say that Liverpool are favourites," Walcott told the club's website.

"That is a good thing really. We can just concentrate on ourselves and they can have all the pressure.

"We will take the positives out of this game, look at Liverpool's negatives and see where it takes us. I think we will go there, play our football and get a goal."

As has often been the case this season, Arsenal failed to turn their dominance into goals, but the side created openings which Walcott believes, on another day, would have seen them put the tie out of reach.

"The first half was like a Champions League game, slow passing around," he said.

"Then the second half was quick. But we got used to it so I think we will treat it like a Premier League game up there.

"We had so many chances and we would have taken those on another day. Sometimes you have days when you can't score and it was one of those."

The youngster's willingness to drive at the heart of the Liverpool's defence took the visitors by surprise, and it is clear that, given the chance on Tuesday, he will have more tricks up his sleeve for the Reds' backline.

"When I came on, I was on the left and gave them a few problems before I moved out to the right," said Walcott.

"I didn't see as much of the ball as I wanted, but there were good signs.

"Now we have to start thinking about Saturday and then from there, the following Tuesday. But there is plenty of belief left."