Theo Walcott scored his first goal of the season at the weekend but, after missing a host of other opportunities, former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer was critical of the Arsenal man.

Despite netting the opening goal in the 2-0 win against Stoke, Walcott really could have had one or two more. His finishing wasn’t up to scratch, which is unusual for him, but Shearer didn’t hesitate to stick the boot in.

“I think a top, top striker could and should score at least 30 goals with the number of chances that Arsenal create in a season,” the former England international and all-time Premier League top goalscorer said on Match of the Day.

“I look at Theo and I think he’s too nice. If he scores, he scores and if he doesn’t he won’t lose any sleep over it and he’s got to get a nasty streak in him and I think it’s there.”

Since Mesut Özil arrived at the Emirates Stadium, Walcott has been out injured for a considerable amount of time. However, in his last 11 Premier League starts he has 11 goals.

So a top striker should be scoring 30 for Arsenal, and Walcott’s form since midway through 2013/14 suggests he would score 30 as long as he can stay fit?

The issue in the media is to give reactionary opinions. One game is used as evidence when it is nothing but a very small sample.

If Walcott gets the chances, he will score plenty of goals.