Arsenal’s Theo Walcott scored his first goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Stoke City.
In doing so, the England international found the back of the net for the 10th season in a row. When you think about it, that really is impressive.
Ian Wright, Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie never achieved it but, when you think about it, that isn’t really their fault.
Theo Walcott is the first Arsenal player since Dennis Bergkamp to score in 10 successive seasons
— Josh James (@JoshJJames78) September 13, 2015
Walcott should certainly be appreciated for his longevity and his work over a decade, but none of the aforementioned players were actually at Arsenal for a decade. Bergkamp was the last Arsenal player to have a testimonial, so it just makes sense, doesn’t it?
Tomas Rosicky has been at Arsenal for 10 seasons now and scored in all eight seasons he has managed to make an appearance in. Were it not for injuries he would have six more months to join the club.
Walcott’s goal on Saturday moves him into joint 24th in the all-time top goalscorers list at Arsenal, with Robert Pirès – who only played for the club for six seasons – seven goals ahead of him.
The Englishman did start when he was just 17 and has had a lot of time injured, but you can’t help but feel he maybe could have been even more prolific during his time in north London. Perhaps that’ll change now he’s playing centrally more often.