Arsene Wenger’s unshakable faith in his players is one of his best traits but at the same time, it’s one of his worst.

Although standing by some, for example, Mesut Ozil, can pay off long term, it can be a huge risk. You’re spending your time watching a player fail to perform week in week out and if they don’t reach the level you believe they should be at, you’ve wasted time you could have used finding a replacement.

This season is Theo Walcott’s judgement day, at least for the fans. In our opening games he showed huge potential playing up front and many of us were happily wolfing down humble pie after writing him off as merely a speedy forward. Skip to the Manchester United match on Sunday where the 26-year-old had maybe two touches and it’s concerning.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks dejected during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Speaking after the loss, Wenger insisted that Theo, as well as Alexis who has been seemingly kidnapped and replaced with Gervinho wearing an Alexis skin suit, are fine defensively.

“No (I don’t regret playing an attacking team) because I’m convinced Welbeck, Walcott and Alexis can defend well when it is needed,” he said.

“When you analyse the goals, we lost the ball in our own half for the first one but after that they were just crosses today.”

I like Theo. I really do and it pains me to say this but something’s got to give. It’s been 10 years now, we should have more to show for it.

Wenger should have more to show for it.