Sam Allardyce and Arsene Wenger on 'different levels,' says Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott has said that Arsene Wenger and Sam Allardyce are on “different levels” when it comes to management.

The winger, who scored Everton’s only goal in their 1-0 win over Newcastle last night, spent 12 years under Wenger before joining up with Allardyce at Goodison Park last January.

The 29-year-old has made a total of 12 league appearances for his new side, scoring three goals so far for the Toffees – including Monday night’s winner.

When asked about the difference between Wenger, who steps down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season, and current boss Allardyce, Walcott said: "They’re on completely different levels of the way they manage. I think everyone can tell that.

"Arsene is a fantastic man, a fantastic manager.

"I can’t thank him enough for what he did for me at such a young age to have that faith in me.

"Now I’m here with Sam and again he’s shown so much faith in me. I just want to repay that to him personally and this team. I want to work hard. The team and myself worked really hard tonight."

The win saw Everton leapfrog Leicester into eighth in the table. But despite picking up three points for the first time in four games, the result did little to ease the pressure on Allardyce who has faced repeated calls to step down as Everton manager in recent weeks.