Arsenal
Six Ways To Use Theo Walcott More Efficiently
Theo Walcott was tipped to be a wonder kid that England and Arsenal was searching for when he was first included in the world cup squad in 2006. Following which Walcott made his first appearance for the Gunners in the 2006-07 season and immediately made an impact setting up a goal for Gilberto Silva when we came as a substitute against Aston Villa.
At the start of the 2008-09 season Walcott was given the no 14 shirt, which was previously worn by club legend Thierry Henry and fans boasted that he was the replcament for Henry. But did he ever reach to a level that was expected out of him?
Here is the overall stat of Walcott for Arsenal:
| CLUB | LEAGUE | FA CUP | LGE CUP | OTHER | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APPS | GLS | APPS | GLS | APPS | GLS | APPS | GLS | ||||
| Arsenal | 96 (56) | 27 | 7 (6) | 2 | 13 (1) | 4 | 26 (18) | 10 | |||
In the past 74 games Walcott has scored 40 goals and has provided the maximum no of assists to Robin Van Persie, the stats however seems to be in favour of the English man but it is his on the field mentality that frustrates some of the hard core Arsenal fans. Walcott may have managed to get a lot of assists but it was mainly because he passed to Vap Persie, the league’s top scorer and now without him Walcott has had tough time trying to find a place at the starting line-up. His decision making in the final third is very poor and the player runs for too away from the box just to show his main weapon, his speed. For a winger, other than the road running abilities the main armory should be his crossing abilities, but Walcott has failed to develop that skill having been in the club so far and his defensive colleague Sagna has better abilities in crossing. With more than 15o appearances for the Gunners, Walcott is not what he was expected of when he first wore the Arsenal jersey.
In games, which he does not have a good start the player tend to fade away from the game and in team which flares on a passing game, Walcott has only a 58 % passing accuracy, which is a slap in the face. But overall, Walcott can be a better player if he is used effectively.
Here are a few suggestions to use Theo Walcott more efficiently:
1. Arsenal are a passing team and like to keep the ball at their feet, but Walcott doesn’t like to keep it in his feet, so better not to pass the ball to the player when he is near a defender and make him run for the ball, which he has no trouble doing it. His speed will help him get past the defender with ease.
2. The player likes through balls better than the tiki taka passing. Wait for the right moment before slipping in a through ball between the defenders legs.
3. On a counter attack, never let him go for the goal, Walcott tends to overthink when there is time to shoot. Its better if the player passes it in the final third.
4. Like all the teams, switch the wingers from time to time, so he can get a shot at the right back too. Constant swapping on the wingers would make like harder for the defenders and with his pace he certainly open up space.
5. Though Walcott has pace, he does not enjoy getting past the defender using it and instead back passes and waits for the defender to make errors. It would be a good idea to give him long balls from time to time, so that he can use his pace.
6. Any player who is played out of his position will not be happy at the manager and for years Walcott wants to be a central striker. Am not saying it is a good option for the manager to start him as a striker, but he can be used as one in the cup games. And two games without any goals as a striker, Walcott will understand the difficulties.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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