As a Southampton fan, it’s been quite a pleasing season as far as the Championship goes, but even the Premier League has managed to suitably satisfy my footballing palate – Nathan Dyer has been terrifying opposition defences with his speed and agile dribbling style at Swansea, Andrew Surman is finally getting a decent run of games in the Norwich line-up, popping up with the odd goal and assist, Leon Best is proving a good foil for a more than capable Demba Ba and then there are the players involved in a battle for the Champions League spots, and all have come through the ranks at Southampton – Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and our latest export, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
However, one thing I’ve had to grow to live with, is the constant, and seemingly in unison, sigh of “oh dear” that follows Theo Walcott’s performances around like his shadow and it comes from opposition and Arsenal fans alike.
The winger, who had been described as ‘having been hyped’ more than the kid-prodigy that was Freddy Adu, burst on to the scene at Southampton aged 16, putting in performances worthy of the initial £12 million fee that was needed to prize him away from The Saints.
Yet, since his premature World Cup 2006 inclusion and his following 200 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 35 along the way and a hat-trick for England, it seems that Arsenal fans still aren’t collectively convinced by Theo Walcott’s credentials as a top class player, and with his contract coming to an end and apparent stalling over wage demands for a new contract, some seem happy for Walcott to either take what Arsenal offer, or be on his way.
His performance on Monday evening against Fulham at Craven Cottage, has seemingly failed to do him any favours too. The football expert that is Piers Morgan, (yes Piers Morgan, who would have thought that?) tweeted: ‘Oh Walcott, learn to bloody cross a ball. For Christ’s sake’ Before following that most critical of analysis’ up with, ‘Oh THEO. Get a grip.’ It became apparent that the talent scout, normally sat behind a desk with an ‘X’, wasn’t alone as Arsenal fans and pundits across the globe simultaneously pressed their red buzzer.
‘Arguably Theo Walcott’s most ineffectual game. And he has a long list of ineffectual game.’ – this from ThisIsFutbol editor Harry Cloke.
‘Walcott’s lack of composure is alarming. Both crossing and shooting. Surely he’s better than this. Not sure that he is.’ – From the Daily Mail’s Neil Ashton and ‘Theo Walcott pays tribute to rap greats De La Soul with that shot: Three feet high and rising.’ – Comically, from The Mirror.
Whilst contract negotiations remain ongoing, with one fan sarcastically summing up what he thinks of Walcott’s demands – ‘Walcott makes his biggest contribution of the day by being subbed off. Definitely a performance worth £85k today, Theo.’ The continual disappointment displayed by fans at performances, may well fail to aid the situation considering that, according to crunchsports.com, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona have been alerted to Walcott’s expiring contract and the difficulties surrounding agreement on a new contract at The Emirates.
I’m ana arsenal fan and i totally agrre but there would be less expectation if wenger signed another winger as theo and gervinho aren’t getting a rest
Theo has had some very good games this season, he’s just an extremely temperamental player, he goes though bad patches regularly and when he’s playing badly it’s like being a man down. I’m hoping he and Chamberlin can start rotating that position and perhaps Theo will get a chance centrally, though his shooting has been terrible this year. If he’s genuinely kicking up a fuss over his contract then let’s have rid of him. I like him but I’d rather have someone who was regularly in form.
i like theo and i think he can be a weapon but if he truly demands 85k a week then sell him, he’s not worth that amount.
He has 200 appearances is 21 what the hell are people thinking. Has he made assists this year? I would say so. Has he been inconsistent this year? Yes he has, but so has Ramsey, Gerviho, and more or less everyone else but Arteta, Van Persie, and Kos…Arshavin has disappeared,sadly. Rosicky is a decent sub who will run, but his crossing and shooting touch leaves way more to be desired. He loves the club.Give him the damn money! Give him the ability to play wide and inside behind Robin.