Arsenal: Inconsistent Theo Walcott Continues To Frustrate

Arsenal and Leicester City shared a 0-0 draw on Saturday, and once again, an inconsistent Theo Walcott continued to frustrate supporters.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Leicester City is in the conversation for one of the more boring matches of the season. Devoid of quality in the final third, neither side were ever able to play precise, incisive and successful football, often playing square or back at a far too slow tempo.

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Consequently, the space with which the forward players had to work with was far reduced. It was a confusing set up, especially from Arsene Wenger, who started with three lightening quick attacking players and then gave them no room.

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The reduced space was a major issue for one Theo Walcott. Playing on the right wing, as he had done the week previous in Arsenal’s 4-3 loss to Liverpool, Walcott was asked to be the continual threat in behind Leicester’s back four, utlising his pace to its greatest effect.

Wenger, though, in his genius, also employed a gameplan that focused on dominating the ball. The slower and more measured approach gave Leicester time to make two banks of four, drop deep and remaim structured and organised. Arsenal then didn’t have the players to break down such a stout defence, and Walcott was a major part of these issues.

While Wenger’s gameplan clearly did not help the 27 year old, he still struggled in what was a frustrating performance. Walcott was never able to unleash his pace in behind, and when he got the ball, did not show the same direct dribbling that highlights his game when he is on form.

His final ball was poor – though that has become the norm and without Olivier Giroud he didn’t have much of a target to aim at – his touch was loose and lacked any sort of creativity in his game. Much of his issues can be ascribed to Wenger’s absurd tactics, as the strategy employed did not suit Walcott’s abilities whatsoever, but Theo must take his fair share of the blame for such an underwhelming performance.

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It’s not time to panic about Theo just yet. He flashed his ability in the opening week against Liverpool, and if he can enjoy a period of full fitness, he may well recover his best form. He must, though, learn to play against a deep lying defence and Wenger must employ his speedy winger to much greater effect.