Arsenal: Theo Walcott Blossoming From Key Personnel Change

Martin Keown believes that Arsenal’s Theo Walcott is benefitting from the absence of Oliver Giroud and inclusion of Alexis Sanchez, but is he right?

The recent attacking form of Arsenal has been somewhat phenomenal. While the six goals that were smashed past Ludogorets on Wednesday night must be tempered by the calibre of opposition, it is now a sustained run of excellent attacking displays all the way back to the 4-1 victory over Hull City.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Ludogorets: 5 Things We Learned

There have been many guesses as to why this is. Some state that it is simply the sheer quality of players within the squad clicking at the right time, others give credit to the influence of Alexis Sanchez and some merit Arsene Wenger with respect for the team’s impressive performances.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

It is likely a combination of all of these, but one thing that is certain is that Theo Walcott is a rejuvenated man, topping the club’s scoring charts with eight goals so far this season. When asked about the surprising and yet prominent purple patch of the right winger, Martin Keown stated that he believed the absence of Olivier Giroud is a key factor:

"“I think Theo has suffered for some time because Arsenal haven’t had a centre forward who can make runs in behind the defence. Olivier Giroud certainly has his merits, but the build-up play is slow when he plays up front. He’s not going to beat a man like Sanchez does, so the wide men have to run from deep to get around the opposition. The way they are playing this season gives Theo little time to think and forces him to play with instinct. With Sanchez and Ozil both bombing forward around him, it allows him to join in and do what he does best.”"

So, is Theo’s rise to prominence due to a change in centre-forward? While I cannot accept that it is the only reason – it would be naive to do so given that everything in football happens due to a host of influences and not just one thing or the other – from simply watching the game, it is clear to see that Keown’s breakdown of Theo’s good form has some truth.

With Giroud playing, Walcott does not have the same freedom to drift centrally and make runs in behind from a central position even though he is starting out wide. However, with Sanchez in the lineup, the Chilean is far more inclined to roam the pitch, often dropping as deep as his own half to get on the ball. This leaves space for Theo to exploit.

Next: Arsenal Vs Swansea: Crunching The Numbers

The combination of runs off the ball, the interchangeable movement, the fluidity and dynamism of Arsenal’s attacking play is what is causing opposing defences so many issues. The less athletic Giroud does not suit this style whatsoever. He still has his uses, but for now, the team, and Theo, in particular, are blossoming in his absence.