Arsenal vs Huddersfield Town: Theo Walcott back in the nick of time

Arsenal has not seen the best out of Theo Walcott this year, but if ever he was going to make a triumphant return, then isn’t this a great time?

Arsenal are going into a mighty hectic period, as they face eleven fixtures between now and the end of the calendar year. As it stands, injuries are not a problem with the Gunners, who only have a sick Mesut Ozil and a temporarily dead-legged Alex Iwobi.

Related Story: 5 Things Learned Against Tottenham

However, that does introduce a bit of a strain in the creative attacking positions, with just Jack Wilshere, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to fill two positions against Huddersfield, with Manchester City still up for debate.

It’s not stressful, by any means, not like the injury situations that the Gunners used to get into. But there is certainly a bit of an opening for someone to, say, slip in and try to make a case for themselves.

And by someone, I mean none other than the indelible Theo Walcott.

As many of you know, I am not the biggest fan of Walcott. He has been befuddling my existence as a writer since he came into being. So many moments of blissful joy, so many minutes of unadulterated sorrow. And there was rarely ever any middle ground.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 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
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

But after I overcame my completely unbiased distaste for the Englishman, I came to terms with something. He is a very good goal poacher. One of the best, I’d wager. He is remarkably good about getting himself right in front of the net and being where he needs to be when the ball gets there.

What he does with it from there is a crapshoot, but it’s a chance that not a lot of other players seem to get into.

That said, against Huddersfield – and this may be the only time that I’ll ever say this – I may be okay with a little Theo Walcott. Perhaps not from the off, but if the game is controlled like we expect it to be and a little extra punch is needed late on, I would prefer Walcott over some of our other options.

Maybe I’ve gone a bit mental here, but my logic is that I think he definitely still wants to prove himself with his opportunities dwindling. This could be the perfect chance for that.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Burnley

And as I’ve learned, Theo Walcott can actually be quite crafty when backed into a corner and given no hope. Kind of like Arsenal.