Theo Walcott has admitted that Arsenal must improve the way that they are currently starting matches.

The Gunners found themselves 2-0 down heading unto the break against Chelsea yesterday afternoon and despite a positive response in the second half, Walcott's goal only proved to be a consolation effort at the final whistle.

"We didn't really start until the second half," the England attacker told the club's official website. "It's a shame that we conceded two sloppy goals and then woke up a bit. We need to show that character and desire to win from the start, not when we concede a goal.

"That is the disappointing thing. We dominated the second half and it is just a shame that we could not get the equaliser that we probably deserved. There were some positives to take out of it, but we need to start learning from the mistakes that we have made."

Walcott recently ended speculation regarding his future at the Emirates Stadium by signing a new contract.