At 1-1, 61 minutes into the game, Arsenal fans must have thought that their side’s old weaknesses had risen once more to the surface. West Ham worked hard, one everything that was in the air, didn’t give the Gunners any time on the ball and prevented any kind of possession based football taking place. I’m sure even the most optimistic Arsenal fan were concerned that their side may not be able to eek out a result.
But it was also at this moment that Theo Walcott was introduced to the game. He turned out to be the game-changer, scoring a fantastic goal and setting up an even more fantastic finish for Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla. It’s not the young Englishman’s first impressive substitute performance either.
He has looked extremely lively when he’s come off the bench this season and also managed to impress against Coventry City in the Capital One Cup, grabbing two goals. Credit where it’s due, Theo looks like a new, more confident man this season.
But I’d argue that many fans aren’t giving Theo the credit he deserves as a result of his contract situation. Football fans have been quick to criticize Theo in the past, claiming, amongst other things, that he has ‘no footballing brain’. This, of course, is a ridiculous claim for a player who has as many goals and assists as Walcott and is a fully-fledged England international. Yet I don’t see any of the pundits and fans who make these claims crawling out of the woodwork and switching their position.
This must surely have something to do with the fact that he’s got less than a year left on his Arsenal contract and his future is somewhat uncertain. I don’t blame Arsenal fans for being wary of praising a player who may well up and leave them (as so many others have done before). It’s up to Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal top brass to ensure they don’t let this one get away.
After the West Ham game, Theo claimed: ‘I want to play for this club and hopefully something can happen very soon’. (Source: Daily Mail). Having seen the way he celebrated his goal on Saturday and just how much it meant to him, I have no reason to doubt these claims.
We’ve heard that Theo has all kinds of monetary demands and that he’s also requested more time upfront. Whilst I would never condone the club over-compensating Theo, he does deserve a wage-bump and a run upfront at some stage this season. He’s a natural finisher and he’s the fastest player in the squad. It could be an ideal fit.
Beyond everything else, I just don’t want to see Arsenal miss out on yet another talented player, because they couldn’t sort out their wage structure.
What’s your take?
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arsenal fans boo him as much as cheer he will only get better not that arsenal are short of right sided attacking players
I couldn’t agree with you more. If there’s one thing I am convinced, it is that Walcott, played upfront, will be a 25+ goals a season player.His pace, confidence, movement off the ball and exquisite finishing remind me of a certain french man. He is 1 goal shy of gervinho (Top scorer) yet he has only 2 starts in all competitions and was even completely omitted in some games. His goals are a clear indication that if moved upfront and given the freedom to get into goal scoring positions,he can win us tight games (like at city). Those games that we win 2 or 3-1 can easily be 5 or 6 thanks to him. I really hope wenger doesn’t let him go.
Walcott is yet to prove his ability to finish. He fluffs more chances than he puts awY, but I must admit that this season might be different. His demands can only be based on previous achievements which in my opinion, have been average
I agree with u, If anyone can emulate Henry @ Arsenal is walcott, judging him by his pace, his curved shot is really like T.Henry. He really need our support and confidence. If Walcott wants a high pay raise what’s wrong with that? Arsenal is the team pay small wages to his stars that’s why we can’t keep our good players. Even Cazorla,Giroud & Podolky will one day demand the same.
Taking into account that walcott main beef is the central role,I dont understand why they cant put in some sort of performancee related bonus attached to his current wage, if at the end of the end of the season he has exceeded these terms then he could be rewarded with the wage he’s asking for.(let face there a fewer more dangerous players than those with a point to prove and so far Theo has done just that). If on the other hand it fails. which for the record i doubt. sell him on in the summer knowing no one can say he wasnt given a chance. win win!