Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Theo Walcott is slowly cementing himself as a top centre forward, with his performances for Arsenal flying under the radar. His goal at the weekend was his 12th in his last 13th starts, and his 5th in all competitions this season.
After a summer filled with transfer speculation and much clamour for Arsenal to bring in another striker, Walcott was always going to face increased pressure to deliver the goods. Olivier Giroud was initially thought to be Arsenal’s only recognized forward, so when Walcott got his long desired switch to the centre role, quite a few brows were raised.
A few missed chances initially didn’t exactly help his case (as far as naysayers are concerned), but he has since begun to show he can perform in this role. His finishing has become a lot more consistent and reliable, while his pace and intelligent movement offers something different to Giroud.
He gives Wenger another option tactically, as he will look to stretch defenses with his runs in behind. While Giroud’s game is based on hold up play and combinations, Walcott’s blistering pace means defenders have to sit back a bit further.
The result is more space for the midfielders and wingers to run into, which only plays into Arsenal’s hands. Theo’s movement is one of his best features and one that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
He finds the little pockets of space and times his runs superbly, and when you possess that kind of speed it takes but a footstep or two to create separation.
The Englishman is an absolute nightmare to mark as defenders are terrified of his pace. They risk stepping off completely and giving him space to possess and turn, or getting too tight and getting rolled and exposed for pace in behind.
Marking him is certainly an unenviable task and Arsenal are reaping the benefits. He has earned his place in the XI and should keep it so long as he continues to knock in the goals.
