Gunnerism IX: Theo Walcott’s Day Out As Arsenal Overcome Reading

Giving up drinking on a Friday night so I can wake up at 7.45 to watch Arsenal play, I must say that I wasn’t disappointed.

The title hunt may be over, but there was plenty in the match, with special mention to a banner hanging near the sidelines, that coerced me into writing this article immediately afterwards.

There is still much to look forward to at Arsenal. With not much hanging on the line, Wenger decided to start Walcott on right midfield. I guess his chats with the manager finally paid off.

He got his full 90 minutes on the pitch, and he should have no more reason to complain. He was involved in almost all of Arsenal’s attacks, his searing pace obviously causing Reading’s defense all kinds of problems.

He will probably start the rest of our games, because there is absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t. Eboue is mediocre at best, and Walcott could really use the experience.

He is not a finished product, so one can only imagine how good he will be if he realizes his full potential. One thing he can definitely work on is his left foot. While marauding down the right side of the pitch, he is “money.”

However, as the commentator aptly mentioned, while caught on the left flank he becomes too predictable.

The defenders know he is going to have to switch over to his right foot and will be ready for it. And although he has great balance to cut in on the right, working on his left foot will open up so many more options for him, and more importantly, for his teammates.

He should also have finished the lay off from Fabregas, but the shot which came off his left foot, managed to only just bounce off and over the crossbar.

Another Gunner to strike the crossbar was RVP. He showed what he is capable of, when his free kick from the corner of the box hit the crossbar, and then the upright and then the ground (but the ball did not cross the line), before it was cleared away.

Hahnemann, in spite of being on the same side of the goal as the ball was eventually struck, did not stand a chance, and his best hope was a prayer, which unfortunately was answered.

Robin van Persie finally seems to have shaken off his rustiness, and he was all over the pitch, holding the ball, laying it off, linking up well with the midfield and attack alike.

Again, one can only imagine what could have been, had he been fit the entire season, or even returned to full match fitness earlier.

Bendtner, after he came on for Hleb, was quite a disappointment. He has really failed to make any sort of impact for the Gunners. I wonder whether he is a part of Wenger’s grand scheme.

It would probably be in the best interest of the club and the player if he went on loan at a club like West Ham or Blackburn. They could use a striker of his quality, he would certainly get more playing time, and the experience would do him much good.

Just look at David Bentley. He’s fighting for a place in the England squad no less. And if Bendtner comes good, we can simply say thank you to Blackburn (or West Ham), and bring him back on the squad. If not, make the move permanent.

Alex Song, on the other hand, definitely seems to be one for the future. His performance was solid, and he seems to have a good understanding with his teammates.

Granted, this was a Reading side who never really threatened, but he will do well under Toure and Gallas, and is already a better option than Senderos.

He will probably have to fight for his place next season as well, but he is only 20 years old, and if he can play on the wings as well, his versatility would be an added bonus.

In the end, the score should have read at least 5-0. Arsenal’s domination over Reading was complete and the Gunners were a joy to watch as usual.

Lehmann probably had to make two “saves” the entire match and that too, only towards the end, when Arsenal were slightly lacking in concentration. I don’t blame them—the match was literally a walk in the park.

Cheers to Gilberto for getting his first goal of the season. It is much deserved, in my opinion. And he could actually have made it two, but Hahnemann did his job.

He may not be with us next season, but he served us well, and there is no reason to dislike him. The goal made him happy, and by the celebrations that followed, I’m pretty sure all his teammates were happy for him as well.

As we all try to come to terms with the sinking feeling, Arsenal’s chances of lifting the trophy are practically over. Theoretically (and mathematically) though, we still have that outside chance, and if not first, we might come in second.

That is a Champions League spot, and still something to play for. Most importantly, the players showed they still want to play, entertain the crowds, and win.

Keep the faith.