Theo Walcott scored his fifth Arsenal hattrick against Southampton during the Gunners’ 5-0 FA Cup clash at St Mary’s on Saturday.
The forward made his first start since our 2-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad back in December and boy did he announce his comeback in a big way.
Southampton couldn’t deal with Theo’s movement or pace and his chemistry with Danny Welbeck, who’s also just returned from injury, was sizzling against the Saints.
Theo Walcott hattrick vs. Southampton. https://t.co/tFZCkTcLfa
— Gooners Report TV (@GRI_TV) January 28, 2017
Interestingly, the 27-year-old’s passing wasn’t all that great – he made 18, only nine of which were accurate – but the passes he did make were crucial, proving how clinical he can be when partnered up with players who understand his movement.
Theo had three shots in total and scored three goals. His fifth hattrick for Arsenal and his 99th goal.
Theo Walcott has tied Paul Merson as Arsenal's 16th highest all-time goalscorer with 99 goals. #afc pic.twitter.com/dxR9mltwKO
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 28, 2017
Walcott has now scored 14 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season – his third best so far and we’re only in January. Not only this, but the England international is the first Arsenal player to score a hattrick in the FA Cup since March 2011 and this is his seventh goal in four FA Cup games.
7 in 4* https://t.co/5FXHwUv5N5
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 28, 2017
At this point, people do need to start taking Theo seriously. We missed him massively while he was out with his calf injury and the fact that he can just start after weeks out and score a hattrick as if it’s nothing is sensational.
I’d be surprised if he doesn’t score over 20 this season; it’s exciting to see him doing so well after the frustration of previous seasons.