Saturday 30 May 2015 08:10, UK
After Theo Walcott’s hat-trick against West Brom put him in contention for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Aston Villa, Nick Wright examines just how important he is to Arsenal…
It has been a long road back for Theo Walcott following his cruciate knee injury last season, but on Sunday against West Brom he provided a timely reminder of what he does best.
Four minutes had passed at the Emirates Stadium when the 26-year-old lost his marker with a clever run across West Brom’s box, creating space to receive Santi Cazorla’s pass on the right-hand side and smash a stunning drive past Boaz Myhill.
While that strike showcased deft movement and ruthless finishing, his second was all about poise and alertness as he pounced on a loose ball in a crowded area, steadied himself and poked a low finish into the bottom corner. He completed the treble with a poacher’s effort, timing his run to the back post perfectly for a tap-in from Cazorla’s cross.
Intelligent movement, speed, deadly finishing and a poacher’s instinct: on days like Sunday it is easy to see why Walcott sees himself as a central striker.
But up until his demolition of West Brom, Walcott’s season appeared to be meandering to a quiet conclusion. The England international has been used sparingly since his return from injury in January amid uncertainty about his future, but Wenger was convinced to hand him his first start since March after encouraging cameos against Manchester United and Sunderland.
Matured
Despite Walcott’s superb performance against the Baggies, the debate continues as to whether centre forward is his best position. He lacks the hold-up play of Olivier Giroud, and cannot match the physicality and aggression of Chelsea's Diego Costa or Sergio Aguero of Manchester City.
But Arsene Wenger insists he has matured into the role. "He can do it (play up front) on a regular basis for us," the Frenchman said this week. "When he got injured it was playing as a central striker against Tottenham. It took him a while to get back to his best form but I think in the future he will be a central striker."
What Walcott may lack in strength and physical stature, he makes up for in searing pace and that intelligent movement. Giroud is a target man who prefers to play with his back to goal, but Walcott stretches defences, darts in behind and creates space for Arsenal's playmakers to attack.
Walcott can appear isolated and lightweight at times as a striker, but when he plays, Arsenal's tempo invariably increases. “I think Walcott is outstanding as a front player,” said West Brom boss Tony Pulis on Sunday. “His movement is absolutely first-class.”
And then there's the finishing. Walcott's five goals this season have come at a rate of one every 88.2 minutes - the best scoring rate of anyone in the Premier League. He was similarly ruthless in 2013/14, and over the last two seasons he has averaged a goal every 129.9 minutes in the Premier League despite frequently operating on the flank.
Walcott’s Premier League shot conversion rate of 25 per cent is also better than any other Arsenal forward this season, and his shooting accuracy of 75 per cent is the highest of any player in the Premier League to have had more than 15 efforts on goal.
Walcott is unable to influence the game in the same way on the right wing, as was shown by a string of anonymous substitute appearances earlier this season, and the defensive aspects of that position do not come naturally either. What’s more, his clinical instincts are far more effective in the centre.
Opponents can counter-act Walcott’s strengths by sitting deep and leaving him no room to run in behind, but he offers a valuable alternative to Giroud and merits more chances to lead the line. Arsenal still need to add another striker this summer, but few players offer the same strengths as Walcott.
Future
In the 2012/13 season, Walcott’s last injury-free campaign, he scored 10 goals and claimed 14 assists in the Premier League alone. But after limited playing opportunities this season and with his contract set to expire next summer, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas fears he could leave.
I’m definitely concerned that if Theo doesn’t feel part of the team that he might want to leave.
“I’m definitely concerned that if Theo doesn’t feel part of the team that he might want to leave,” the former Arsenal striker said recently. “I’m a big fan of Theo and this (season) he has showed enormous maturity in trying to prove himself as a centre-forward, but if he doesn’t feel like he’s competing for a starting position then he’ll be tempted to leave.”
Contract negotiations with Walcott were a gruelling process in 2012/13, but Wenger insists they have already opened talks. “Without his hat-trick or with his hat-trick, we want him to stay,” he said after the West Brom game. “We are in negotiations and we have started to speak with his agent.”
Despite those comments from Wenger, there have been suggestions of a swap deal involving the former Southampton man and Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling. The Reds starlet is undoubtedly a huge talent, but Walcott offers experience and versatility and boasts a greater goal threat – so why trade in? It’s a view supported by Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Paul Merson.
“If he was available then I’m sure any Liverpool fan, player or manager would love to see him at the club,” said former Liverpool defender Carragher recently, while Merson added: “If Theo Walcott goes to Liverpool, Raheem Sterling goes to Arsenal and Liverpool get some money, I think Liverpool have had the best deal ever.”
Final
But before thoughts turn to the summer, there is the small matter of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Aston Villa. Wenger has refused to confirm his selection plans, but Walcott is itching to start after his West Brom heroics.
“I just want to play football and getting a hat-trick on the last day of the season after having limited opportunities, it was just nice to go out there to show what I can do,” he told Arsenal’s official website. “Hopefully the fans were very happy with that.”
Indeed, Walcott could hardly have made a stronger case for himself, and the likes of Ron Vlaar would not relish an afternoon up against his level of energy and pace.
Wenger’s loyalty to Giroud suggests the Frenchman will get the nod despite a barren run of eight games without a goal, but Walcott will certainly have a role to play from the bench.
Whether that is enough to keep him at the club remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the Gunners must do all they can to secure his future. Walcott looks to have left his injury troubles behind him, and Arsenal must capitalise as he enters his prime.
