By Mike McGrath, Press Association Sport

Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin was unhurt after being involved in a traffic accident on Monday.

Team-mate Nicklas Bendtner had what an ambulance spokesman called a “very lucky escape” earlier in the season when he crashed his Aston Martin into a tree – but Arshavin’s collision was minor in comparison and only led to a damaged bumper.

Arshavin, who was with his wife Julia, revealed the accident on his official website.

The incident comes two days after the 28-year-old Russia international scored the opening goal in the win over Hull which maintained Arsenal’s hopes of keeping pace in the Barclays Premier League title race.

It still needed a last-gasp winner from Bendtner to earn maximum points.

Winger Theo Walcott was encouraged by the result at Hull.

“That is the sign of champions, to go to the final minute,” Walcott said. “We’re showing great character.”

On a personal level, Walcott is desperate to get a regular place in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up after coming off the bench against Porto and Hull last week.

“It’s been very frustrating with injury after injury this season,” Walcott said on Arsenal TV Online. “To start that game (against Burnley) and play very well then not to play Porto was disappointing because I just want to play. I feel as fit as ever.

“It’s nice to come on and make a difference but I want to be starting most games. If I can show my support by coming off the bench I’ll do a job.

“I’ve missed a long period of games and hopefully I’ll be like a new signing and can bring something different to the team that we haven’t got and push on for this title. It will be a very good one for the neutral.”

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