Wenger gets his point across on SaturdayArsene Wenger hailed Theo Walcott's vital contribution as Arsenal rescued a late point - but he urged fans to keep their expectations in check.
Walcott made his Premiership debut as a substitute, just weeks after returning from his non-playing role in England's World Cup squad.
The 17-year-old made an instant impact and helped set up Gilberto's late equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
Wenger said: "There are positives and negatives in being picked by the national team at such a young age.
"The negatives are that everyone expects such a lot from someone at an age where, if he comes on in the first team, everyone should be happy if he just gives a good pass.
"For him, being 'starified' so early, everyone will expect something a little bit special from him every time he comes on. At 17 that's not easy.
"The positive thing is that he's in touch with the top level in the game and that is important to see how players respond and deal with the pressure at an early age.
"That is good because he will learn quickly."
Olof Mellberg had put Villa ahead early in the second half but Walcott supplied the cross for Gilberto to level in the 84th minute.
Wenger said: "It was a tricky situation when he came on. I know a lot is expected from him but I am pleased he was not depressed.
"He had that sharpness that we missed a little bit today and straight away he was dangerous on the left flank.
"He was involved in the goal we scored and when he came on his overall performance was very positive."
The Arsenal boss also took a little swipe at Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard who wrote in his autobiography that Walcott had no right to be at the World Cup.
Wenger said: "It was not the best statement Steven Gerrard has made."
The Arsenal boss was pleased with Walcott but disappointed to drop two points on the opening day.
Wenger said: "I am not pleased but at least we didn't start with a defeat.
"It was a typical beginning of the season game where the players were not completely ready physically, added to the fact that many of them played 90 minutes in midweek."
Wenger was especially angry that Thierry Henry played 90 minutes for France and accused the French Football Federation of being "provocative".
Villa boss Martin O'Neill enjoyed his return to the Premiership and settled for a point despite being just six minutes from a shock win.
O'Neill said: "Arsenal are in a new stadium and they are a decent side. I'm still trying to get to know my players but I thought they were terrific. This was their first competitive game.
"We were pressed back in the second half. I had an eye on the clock thinking we might even see it through.
"It's a great result for us and we will try to get ready for Reading on Wednesday.
"It is a big boost to confidence. The players have held Arsenal on their own pitch.
"If we had been hammered it would have looked like a long hard season ahead. Win and you think it's great. Get a draw and you don't quite know where you are.
"I cannot do anything about the expectation but we are not going to become a really decent team overnight."
O'Neill would like to add to his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month but fears that might be difficult.
The final details of Randy Lerner's takeover are unlikely to be fully completed until next month.
O'Neill said: "I will try because we have 10 days and after that we are on our own for four months.
"It is not the biggest squad and we are going to try to supplement it if we can, but that might be easier said than done.
"The takeover bid has been accepted and at some stage it will happen but it might not happen in time. It might be late September.
"It is a genuine concern but I am not in control of that.
"I would have loved to postpone the start of the season for three weeks or postpone the transfer deadline."
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