Theo Walcott's Long-Awaited Return Is Encouraging for Arsenal

Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round win over Hull City was notable for the return to action of Theo Walcott. On a positive day for the Gunners, Walcott’s renewed availability came as a particularly big boost.

The last time Arsenal faced Hull in the Cup was in May’s 2013/14 final. That was a topsy-turvy encounter, with Steve Bruce’s side taking a 2-0 lead before succumbing to a rousing Arsenal comeback capped by Aaron Ramsey’s extra-time winner.

This victory was altogether more straightforward. Hull made 10 changes, clearly indicating that their priority this season is to preserve their Premier League status. That level of rotation opened up a sizable gap between the two sides. Although the full-time score was 2-0, it might have been many more.  

Had Walcott’s finishing been sharper, he would surely have marked his comeback with at least one goal. Twice he found himself played in on goal by the mercurial talent of Santi Cazorla, only to fail to produce a finish to match the exquisite through ball.

A bit of rustiness is forgivable. Let’s not forget, this was Walcott’s first start in a full calendar year. Prior to this game, he had played just 22 minutes of football in 2014/15. 

It may take him a little time to regain his composure in front of goal. Finishing is linked to confidence, and Walcott’s will not be fully restored until he has scored a few goals and ridden a few tasty tackles.

Nevertheless, it was fascinating to see Walcott play in tandem with Alexis Sanchez. For much of the season, Arsenal fans have been wondering how the two speedsters might combine. In this instance, Alexis played in a central role with Walcott alternating between the left and right flank.

In her write-up of the Hull match, The Guardian’s Amy Lawrence made reference to a portentous photograph taken when Alexis first arrived at Arsenal. Beneath a photograph of the two men embracing, Walcott signed off with the slogan, “Speed Matters.”

Walcott and Alexis have that attribute in spades. Once Walcott hits peak condition, his alliance with Alexis ought to be electrifying. Facing one is hard enough; attempting to track the runs of both would be a nightmare for even the most accomplished defender. 

It’s Walcott’s runs that are the key to his game. He’s not a natural dribbler, lacking the technique to jink between tightly woven back lines. Instead, his movement occurs primarily off the ball, racing into space to meet penetrating passes. 

That is something he does not appear to have lost. Walcott showcased trademark pace and awareness in order to put himself in goalscoring positions. All that’s missing, for now, is that finishing flourish.

Once he adds that back to his game, Arsene Wenger will have added another impressive weapon to his attacking Arsenal.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.