Arsene Wenger insists that he can convince Theo Walcott to stay at Arsenal after the England star's scintillating hat-trick destroyed Newcastle at the Emirates. The Gunners' 7-3 rout of Newcastle made it four successive victories since being dumped out of the League One Cup by League Two Bradford City.

Central to it all was Walcott's superb display in the striker's role he covets as the 23-year-old opened the scoring in the first half before two brilliant finishes wrapped up the points for the north London side. The former Southampton star has still to sign a new deal to keep him at the Emirates beyond the end of this season despite being offered improved terms.

But Wenger was clearly impressed by and is confident that an agreement will be reached.

Brace for Lampard

Liverpool: Frank Lampard scored twice as Chelsea came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Everton on Sunday in Blues interim coach Rafael Benitez's first game on Merseyside since leaving Liverpool. Chelsea's fourth successive win takes them up to third in the table.

Lampard, 34, is facing an uncertain future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season after 12 years at Chelsea.