In a twist of expectation, former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has had to reevaluate his earlier top-four prediction for the Gunners after witnessing their 1-1 stalemate against Manchester City this past Sunday.
Mikel Arteta, under scrutiny for his conservative approach, opted to start with both Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli on the bench. Erling Haaland put the Citizens ahead early in the clash, only for Arsenal’s Martinelli to salvage a point with an injury-time equaliser after coming off the bench in the second half.
Reflecting on the encounter in discussions on the US Overlap’s ‘It’s Called Soccer,’ Walcott expressed his disappointment: “Honestly, seeing the starting line-up, I was a tad let down for players like Martinelli and Eze. While [Leandro] Trossard did score against Athletic Bilbao, this match demanded a different type of player.”
Walcott elaborated on the tactical dimensions: “Just one full-back Timber felt crucial in the outcome. Despite investing heavily in talents meant to be game-changers, they’re benched when their creativity and willingness to take risks are most needed. That’s Arsenal’s current pitfall in high-stakes matches.”
He touched upon his frustration with Arsenal’s lack of intensity from the onset, observing, “Teams falter when Arsenal ramp up their tempo. So why isn’t that the approach right from kick-off? It’s palpable from the stands knowing they’ve had a full match to secure victory, yet it takes until the dying minutes.”
Walcott perceives City as vulnerable: “They’re not the dominating force of past seasons. Arteta should’ve acknowledged City’s beatable state and fielded a bolder squad.”
When quizzed on Arsenal’s title credentials, he conceded: “I do believe Arsenal can claim the league, but Arteta must refine his timing on substitutions.”
Walcott continued, scrutinising City’s tactical shifts: “City subbed Haaland and [Phil] Foden, reducing their threat. Arsenal delayed bringing on additional firepower, which was pivotal. This season, they won’t settle for draws in games they could’ve seized.”
He noted, “Viktor Gyokeres could be pivotal in such encounters, engaging defenders distinctively. I’m confident they’ll avoid many draws from past seasons.”
On pre-season forecasts, Walcott initially placed Arsenal third, prior to the transfer dealings: “Post-transfers, I’d slot them into second they’re closing in! They’re poised for a sustained league challenge and have potential to go deep in the Champions League.”
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