Arsenal’s failure in recent games hasn’t been due to a lack of leaders in the dressing room, according to Theo Walcott.
All this coming after a fine run of form which saw Arsene Wenger’s men defy critics’ opinions. However, two away defeats, coupled with some bad performances in a few games, have the media questioning the Gunners again, suggesting that they still lack leadership. Where were they (the press) when we were winning?
Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy were the star names that departed in the summer which left Arsenal playing catch up after such a poor start to the campaign, plus a plague of injuries didn’t help the club’s cause.
However, Walcott feels the spirit in the camp is excellent, especially now with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry returning home.
Speaking to ESPN, the Arsenal winger said:
‘The atmosphere in the dressing room is unbelievable.
‘We have some great leaders. Thomas Vermaelen, Per Mertesacker and Aaron Ramsey have all captained their countries.
‘You ask any player here and they’ll tell you it’s the best it’s been in a long time.’
Yes, we do have leaders, but the fact that they have been injured has hindered our performances in recent weeks.
Mikel Arteta’s absence has led to our midfield becoming disorganised. Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey are unsure whether to push back or forward when the Spaniard is out of the side.
With Thomas Vermaelen out, young Wojciech Szczesny has to lead from the back. Undoubtedly with Vermaelen in the side, Shezza’s job is made much easier.
Per Mertesacker is a good player but is having trouble adapting to the Premier League, a leader nonetheless, but he is one who isn’t quiet showing it.
Robin van Persie leads by example and is doing a great job as captain.
Tomas Rosicky, Yossi Benayoun and Andrey Arshavin are all capable of leading; it’s just their inability to stamp their authority during challenging games which is worrying to see.
Ramsey is the Wales captain, a fantastic achievement for a player of his age, but he is still very young. Not a leader right now but will be in the future.
To conclude, I believe we do have leadership within our squad, it’s just a matter of getting our players back to fitness and finding the formula that saw us pick up some great results earlier on in the season.
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I`ve always believed a captains best position is in midfield where he can control the build up and be playmaker. Likewise I prefer rear drive cars where the differential pushes not pulls the vehicle….but that`s just me. This is no criticism of Robyn.