Arsenal: Theo Walcott needs to look over his shoulder

Theo Walcott was back to his mistimed, unintelligent, seemingly lost, worst during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Norwich on Tuesday night. With Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson again impressing, however, he needs to take a look over his shoulder.

Theo Walcott was at his worst against Norwich City on Tuesday night. Although Arsenal would eventually win the tie 2-1 after extra-time, for much of the game, they were lethargic in their attacking play, lacking any semblance of incision or penetration from their midfield and their front line. And although it would be unfair of me to pin the blame solely on Walcott, he was certainly from a solution to the problem.

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The most frustrating element of Walcott’s game was his movement. Now, where Olivier Giroud was simply not moving, Walcott’s was foolish and aimless. His runs were not intelligent. He did not read the lay of the land correctly, often darting at times when the pass was not ready, committing to a particular run into a particular space that did not help his teammates.

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This has always been a criticism levelled at the pacy winger. He is a doltish footballer. That may be a little harsh for someone who has achieved much to be playing at the level that he is. But throughout his Arsenal career, which now extends for more than a decade, it has been a recurring shortcoming. Walcott does not have, as they say, a footballing brain.

For the majority of his career, that has been an issue that he has been able to overcome. His searing speed, deceptive finishing, and the relentless threat that he poses, have preserved his place in the starting line-up. Wenger has been willing to see past other shortcomings. Moreover, there has never been the other options to turn to if replacing Walcott became a matter of real importance. The Arsenal squad has, throughout Walcott’s tenure, always been lacking in number in wide areas.

But in the same game that Walcott floundered, two young players flourished, young players that could usurp the England international and bring what has been a frustrating and unfulfilled North London occupancy to an end.

Eddie Nketiah, the hero of the hour, came off the bench to score two goals. Both showcased an anticipation and sharpness that suggest scoring is something that comes naturally to the 18-year-old. Moreover, not only was he Arsenal’s only goalscorer of the evening but, once he was introduced, he provided an impetus, an intensity and a spark that had previously been missing. That should be the role and responsibility of Walcott.

Additionally, Reiss Nelson furthered his reputation as a rising star. Playing at right wing-back, just behind Walcott, Nelson was far more dangerous than his counterpart. He was direct with the ball at his feet, he was willing to drive forwards when given the opportunity, and he committed the Norwich defenders to tackles that they did not want to make. Walcott did none of that.

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Now, I am not saying that Walcott should be replaced by two upstarts. One game does not justify that. But he should be wary of the threat to his standing in the squad. Walcott is the longest-serving Arsenal player in the current squad. If he is not careful, that time could be coming to an end.