5 Things Theo Walcott Must Do to Earn a Permanent Start at Arsenal

Amid all the joy of Arsenal's recent run, one man has cut a fairly forlorn figure on the sidelines. Try as he might, Theo Walcott can barely get a kick.

This is a key period for the England international. With his deal due to expire at the end of next season, these could be the last few weeks of his time in North London. If he is to get the wage rise he wants, he'll have to start delivering on the field.

He can only do that if he's afforded the chance to play regularly. In this piece, we list five things Walcott must do to win a consistent place in the Arsenal team.

Win More Duels

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According to Squawka, Theo Walcott has won just 29 percent of his duels this season. He's also yet to win a single tackle in the Premier League.

That's not good enough for a team with aspirations of winning the title. On the opposite flank, Alexis Sanchez works tirelessly for the team, throwing himself into challenges with enthusiastic abandon. Walcott must embrace that work ethic if he is to find favour with Arsene Wenger.

Protect the Full-Back

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If Theo Walcott wants to become a permanent fixture in the Arsenal team, he needs to start providing his full-back with more protection.

His tendency to switch off was exposed in the most recent North London derby, in which his failure to close down Danny Rose led to Harry Kane nodding home the winner.

Walcott must improve his attention to his defensive duties if he is to return to the first XI.

Accept That He Is Not a Centre-Forward

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Theo Walcott has long insisted his ideal position is as a centre-forward.

That isn't going to happen at Arsenal. Olivier Giroud is the present incumbent, and Arsene Wenger clearly considers him integral to the team's structure. Walcott possesses neither the physicality nor the technical skill to link the play.

Walcott must accept the only role available to him at Arsenal is on the right wing.

Regain His Prolific Form

Arsene Wenger has spoken of the need to add some more goals to his team. Talking to Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph, Wenger said:

"

We need another player who gets 10 or 15 goals but we have a good mentality and good cohesion in the team.

"

If Walcott can find his goalscoring touch again—he has just three goals this season, albeit in limited appearances—he could be that man.

Sign a New Contract!

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This is perhaps the most important factor for Theo Walcott. If he wishes to reclaim his place in the side, he must commit his future to Arsenal.

Contract negotiations between player and club have been put on hold until the summer, but an indication from Walcott's side that he would be willing to remain at the club on similar terms would immediately put him back in favour with Wenger.

Until it's apparent where his future lies, Walcott will continue to be frozen out.