And to think that I wanted to get rid of him in the summer for any of Vardy, Mkhitaryan or even any striker like even Lukaku!!!!
Missing out on the Euro's turned out to be the best thing that has happened to him, it woke him up, because he was going nowhere, Walcott physically looks stronger and he is also working a lot harder, saw some stat about him already making more tackles in five games this season, compared to the entire 2015/16 season. Walcott is 27 now, a player of his type does not have a long future at the very top end of the game, also think he knows that the 2018 World Cup is his last chance to finally play in one, after so many heart breaks on that front.
A lot of people were pissed off with Walcott, what got me really pissed was him completely bottling a 50/50 against Sunderland, that showed a lack of commitment, and deep down, Walcott himself knew he was not good enough last season, thankfully he looks like a man reborn this season.
I like that he seems to be learning from Sanchez to be more aggressive. He has been hassling the opposition high up the pitch instead of standing off and just covering the space. Also as soon as Sanchez goes out wide Theo seems to automatically take up the strike spot, it's a good dynamic between the two of them at the moment. When Walcott is on form he is quality and this season he has added a bite to his game.
I would like to say 'I told you so' on Walcott but even I started to loose faith in him last Season. In 2013 he showed us he has much more all round ability than he usually shows. These last few games he has looked the best he has ever looked and it just shows that his only real issue is a psychological one. If he can stay confident he can be unplayable.
He has had a fantastic start to the season - there's no denying that - but the important thing for him is that he keeps it up. There will be a period in the season where things may not go his way, but he has to keep his head up, stick to his hard work ethic and things will eventually turn back in his favour. This is the most promising Walcott has looked since the 2013/14 season where he looked unplayable and then got injured in the 2-0 FA Cup victory versus Spurs - hopefully, there will be no more injuries. He's in the prime years of his career and I really hope he can become the player we all hoped he would be when we initially signed him 11 years ago.
I think everyone knows that Walcott has the attributes to cause damage when the conditions are right, but he hasn't done it anywhere near enough for us, as shown with his below average showing last season which had a detrimental effect to us. He has started well this season, so it bodes well for us, providing he stays fit. But remember he is playing with some very good players like Sanchez, Ozil and Cazorla, so naturally he will get plenty of chances. So far so good, hope it continues.
You do all realise why Walcott has got the reputation he has now and get's picked for the England squad by many managers? He has shown spells like he is in now consistently throughout his career, the telling word being "spells". If (as I suspect) he fades again by Christmas it will be no different than his past seasons. He is not a kid anymore, he needs to put at least one good season in.
This is the issue with Walcott, it's his consistency that isn't up to the mark. Granted he's had a huge amount of injuries over his career but last season was relatively injury free and he failed to make a significant impact. He's in his prime years so there really isn't any excuses for him anymore, Wenger has shown a lot of patience with him. If he continues to play as well as he has from the start of this season then he will get over 15-20 goals in the league. But I'll wait and see until after Christmas on how his form goes before getting too carried away.
I went MINUS in my fantasy premier league as I transferred him over to my team..he better respond! Come on walcott! Keep it up!
Well 2013 Season he showed similar form for a good six/seven months. In fact he was level on goals with Bale (who went on to win PFA player of the year) It was only an injury that brought his Season to an end. Its mainly psychological with Walcott but when considering his form over the years injury problems have to be taken into consideration. Whenever he's had a long spell without injuries his performances have improved.
I agree with TheBear on this. Walcott is a very late developer physically. He has taken an age to look like a man instead of a little boy. Finally, he has his man body, and although he isn't big, he is able to compete physically for the ball. Wilshere is much the same.
People forget that whilst Walcott has been with us for a decade, the first 4-5 years were plagued by long term injuries. When he has had a run in the team and been on form, he's unplayable. He's been sporadic, but hopefully now he's reaching his peak he can have 4-5 years at the very top of his game with us.
It would be wonderful if he could have an injury free season and get something like 20 goals. If that happens, then I suspect the title will end up at the Emirates.
I agree too. Walcott has the ability to get those goals and with Giroud getting his usual 15+ haul and Sanchez making a signficant contribution then Arsenal should be realistic title challengers. I expect 15+ goals from Perez, Iwobi, Welbeck and Oxo combined at least.
Listening to 5 live earlier and an interview with Walcott, regarding England and the upcoming game now that he's back in the squad. He gave a very revealing insight about a change in attitude at Arsenal that has brought about his good form. He said that in discussions with a 'very senior person at Arsenal' (presumably wenger) He came away angry and that he's discovered that the aggression in his football, brings out the best in him. Sounds to me as though Wenger probably laid it on the line for Walcott, and he's responded. Long may it last
It doesn't suprise me. Wenger probably told him the way it was and I'm sure Walcott knew it was coming. Under perform this season and it most certainly would have been his last with us.
I reckon it must have been along these lines. Whatever happened, it's certainly put a rocket up Walcott's arse ! He's playing brilliantly atm.
A very senior person would make me believe that somebody above Wenger has said something along the lines of "the manager has said we can put you up for sale". Whatever was said and whoever said it, it has certainly worked. I would find this very annoying because it indicates he just wasn't arsed/motivated before now.