Has his Arsenal career clock ticked too far?
To remain or not to remain. That is the question. Theo Walcott has been at Arsenal a long time now and whilst still only being 22, he is certainly one of the Gunners more experienced heads in their quest for fourth place this campaign. A frustrating talent, Walcott’s inconsistencies have continued to deceive his adorning Arsenal public this term. Time is certainly flying by. Has Walcott’s clock ticked too far?
The well-spoken winger is currently enjoying a campaign free from injury and has been a constant fixture on the right flank for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger clearly trusts the player whom he groomed for many years as the natural successor to Thierry Henry. But with Henry back at the club this January, does this indeed represent the lack of impact made by the prodigy in the time elapsed. In short, yes.
Wenger recently spoke about team mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and modern football being in a state of ‘immediacy’ whereby great things are expected of young talents in a short space of time. Walcott has had years.
Whilst remaining to be one of the Premier League’s fastest players, Walcott continues to run with his head down, careering into the full back as opposed to getting beyond them and firing a cross in to the box. Whilst it must be accepted that Arsenal’s game is to play neat passes into feet around the box, many more chances could be created simply if Walcott got his head up and looked.
Chris Waddle criticised the England international back in 2010 stating
What seems to be more frustrating for Gunners fans is that Theo seems to go on a good run of form, for example at Carrow Road where he linked up with Robin Van Persie fantastically, and then goes missing in two or three games prior to a productive game. Following snippets of brilliance over the years and an ability to strike more often against Chelsea, Walcott has proved amongst the most frustrating of talents.
Many Walcott fans believed it was lift off in his career following his hat-trick for England in Zagreb but it is difficult to measure how far he has come in the time since.
A good finisher; Walcott far too often finds himself isolated on the touchline, only to be substituted for the likes of Andrey Arshavin three quarters of a way through a game. Theo himself would admit that he’d like to improve on just six Premier League strikes this season. He remains to be a likeable member of the Arsenal squad with chants of ‘Theo, Theo’ often radiating from the terraces, but this seems to be more in hope rather than expectation. It is all in too short supply from a player whose impact could be devastating if he mastered his final ball productivity.
It seems apparent that the likes of Gareth Bale and Ashley Young have improved tenfold in the same period of time as Walcott has had, but with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain now in the first-team reckoning, Walcott’s future first-team place may not be guaranteed, although England continue to select him for the senior squad.
Walcott has publicly voiced his desire to play up front for Arsenal in the past, but with Robin Van Persie’s form and indeed Walcott’s inconsistencies it is likely that such a wish will again fall upon deaf ears. A far greater contribution is needed in what is proving to be a gruelling roller coaster ride of a campaign for Arsenal, and Walcott’s tendencies to coast through games with little contribution is proving far too tedious.
It may take more than a final whistle clap to the fans to truly appease the Gunners faithful on Walcott whom many Arsenal fans still think has the ability to become part of the clubs all-time folklore.
But with needs must this campaign, patience is certainly at a minimum. If Arsenal fans accept the role of timekeeper, they will find that Walcott’s best form is yet to arrive. Time to let go? Only time will tell.
Should Walcott be given more time or are you also frustrated with his inconsistencies? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
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This is trash. Walcott is fantastic and has been an integral part of the team. Especially this season. HIS goal made cl qualification a fact beyond doubt. HIS assists make the Van Persie goals.
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Taylor-Williams Reply:
February 13th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
You name the CL goal. A priceless goal for all Arsenal fans but that is the frustration with Theo, All Arsenal fans know he can deliver but too many games STILL pass him by. It’s all fits and starts for him. Whilst his assisting abilities have improved somewhat, he still goes missing for large spells during games coming alive in spells. He doesn’t have the same consistent impact as other players in his position such as bale and silva. If he improved his game to game form he would be a world beater.
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The media don’t know which Arsenal player to unsettle next!
Is this garbage because the Van Persie to Barcelona stories seem not to have taken off.
Walcott is a class player and I have a lot of time for him. I just wish Wenger would give him a run as main striker right down the middle in Carling Cup games to see if he can be our next Henry. I think he is out of position and would love to see him given the main striker role in a few games.
Please stay Theo
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Walcott has made so many eye-catching assists for RVP and others to score easy tap-ins and pleasing for the eyes. His dribbling is coming together slowly and surely,the finishing will follow should he stays away from injury. And most defenders will find him a headache and if he could learn how to earn free kicks,he will be immense. So this talk of Theo not progressing,using Old quotes from anywhere,anybody really smacks of blinkered vision at best. Walcott will be DREADED once he has mastered the fast flow dribbling and finishing. A diamond half polished,savour his devastating pace and his progress.
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HE IS 22!!! DOn’t talk shite! sheesh
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He may be young, but he is under real pressure for a starting spot now. Ox is improving and Wenger likes Gervinho, Walcott has to step up and perform for a full 90 minutes, Its all well and good talking about potential, but he’s been a Premier League player and England International for quite some time.
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C’mon people,Mr.Taylor Williams is right-Walcott’s clock has ticked too far.
Eye-catching assists??More like balls pinging off the legs of the first defender EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Finishing???-I’d rather trust TV than this guy.
Lol,I wonder which team you’re following.
Don’t judge him on the blackburn whitewash-that was the worst defensive display from any team this season.
“Walcott will be DREADED once he has mastered the fast flow dribbling and finishing”-thats just BS.I’ve waited quite some time for this now.Basically not going to happen.Trust me,he wouldn’t be a footballer,definitely not at this level,if it weren’t for his pace.
Make no mistake,this IS a Gooner.
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Taylor-Williams Reply:
February 14th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Agreed. What is most frustrating is that his progress in relation to the years he has been at Arsenal has been far too slow. Whether we like it or not, football is in a state of immediacy and Walcott needs to step up and be counted in the pressure environment of chasing fourth spot.
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Walcot is very nice.had a good run at arsenal but we don’t need him at this crucial stage
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