Martin Keown has criticised Theo Walcott after his performance against Cologne last night.
Walcott received his first start of the season in the 3-1 victory over Cologne and spent more time being offside than contributing to the game in a meaningful way.
Short of first team opportunities since the switch to a back three, you’d think Walcott would have been eager to impress. Yet, last night showed us Walcott as his worst: a complete non-entity.
Martin Keown had some harsh words to say about Walcott’s performance at half-time.
“Really it has gone from bad to worse for Arsenal tonight,” Keown said, as reported by The Daily Star.
“It’s very predictable, they’re not moving the ball quickly.
“The mantra of any team-talk from Arsene Wenger is to keep the ball on the floor, move it quickly.
“Players look confused, puzzled, they’re not going into Giroud enough.
“They need to get Sanchez off the line more, Walcott joining in.
“I’m not sure what Theo Walcott’s doing in the match.
“His space has been occupied by Bellerin.”
Short of creativity in the final third, Walcott’s shortcomings were exposed.
He rarely got on the ball and the timing of his runs in behind, which is usually his biggest strength as a player, was off all night.
It contributed to a dull and uninspired Arsenal performance during the first half.
He didn’t improve much in the second half, and was eventually replaced by Reiss Nelson, who made more passes in 10 minutes than Walcott managed in 80.
Walcott will return to the bench for the Chelsea game, but will probably get another run out against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup.