Theo Walcott Underlining His Credentials as Arsenal's First-Choice Striker

Theo Walcott's place in Arsenal's first XI is secure. Following a good run of form that culminated in the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Manchester United at the weekend, Walcott is essentially undisputed as the Gunners' first-choice striker. 

At the beginning of 2015, that paragraph would have been hard to believe. Coming off a long-term injury, Walcott struggled to break into manager Arsene Wenger's lineup as Arsenal chased yet another top-four finish and a second consecutive FA Cup title. For most of his career, the England international had played on the wing, but with Wenger's options limited, Walcott began to see more playing time.

As the end of the season neared, Walcott's form picked up. After scoring a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League finale, the 26-year-old earned a starting spot in the FA Cup final against Aston Villa.

At Wembley, Walcott netted the opening goal with a fierce drive that set Arsenal on course for a record 12th title. After the match, Wenger hinted that Walcott's future at the club was bright.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

"He is a player who was out for a year, January to January, and it took him a while to come back to his best," Wenger said, via ESPN FC. "And I think he is now at an age when it is very interesting. He has experience and is at his peak physically. It is the time to stay with us."

Wenger's words were at least partially motivated by Walcott's ongoing contract situation. But after Walcott signed a new deal with the club in July (h/t Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph), those comments now appear rather prescient.

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Walcott started the season slowly, failing to score in any of Arsenal's first three Premier League matches. He did notch a goal against Stoke City, as did center-forward rival Olivier Giroud, though neither player fully impressed.

Still, it was a start, and Walcott followed it with another goal in Arsenal's stunning loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League four days later. He was a substitute that day, but his introduction gave the Gunners a brief spark in an otherwise forgettable night. He's been a fixture in the starting lineup ever since.

Against Leicester City on Sept. 26, Walcott scored a crucial goal that pulled Arsenal level after the hosts had begun the match in rampant attacking form. Three days later, he added a goal and a clever lobbed assist in the Gunners' surprising home loss to Olympiakos in the Champions League.

His best performance was probably against Manchester United over the weekend. Though Walcott did not score a goal, he provided two assists in a strong all-around display.

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It's here that we should reconsider Wenger's comments from last May's FA Cup final. At the time, the Arsenal manager praised Walcott's experience and physical stature. Both were clearly visible as Walcott led the line against Manchester United.

In the past, Walcott was a one-dimensional player, a speed merchant with a questionable footballing IQ. Or at least that was the perception. As his performance against United showed, he is now capable of serving as a target man, holding up play and creating chances for himself and his teammates.

At uMAXit Football, James McNicholas wrote:

"

Whereas in the past Walcott lacked hold-up skills to thrive through the middle, those gathered at the Emirates Stadium witnessed a remarkably complete performance against United. Walcott not only tormented the defence with his speed, but he kept markers at bay with impressive displays of strength and skill. He may not have scored, but he ended the game with two assists, which may please Wenger even more. Walcott had already demonstrated his ability as a goalscorer, but has now shown he can do a selfless job for the team as a centre-forward.

"

The performance drew rave reviews. “With what he did against United and the way he has been answering the call recently—if he can play like that every weekend he has to start,” Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin said, via the Daily Mirror.

Wenger seemed to agree. "I must say Walcott had a hugely committed performance today in a hugely convincing way," the manager said, via Arsenal.com. "... He did really fight today and showed he can fight, commit and protect the ball as well. He is gaining some aspects of his game as a center-forward, and they are improving."

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Meanwhile, Walcott's main rival is struggling. Although Giroud has scored three league goals this season, the Frenchman has had confidence issues since being sent off in the first half of Arsenal's loss to Dinamo Zagreb.

Giroud had been Arsenal's first-choice center-forward for some time, but it was almost by default. The Frenchman offered a decent return rate on goals and a physical presence that nobody else in the squad could match. 

But with Walcott's upswing in form, Giroud has found his opportunities limited in recent weeks. Unless something changes, this might be the new status quo.

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"Olivier is in a tough position—it's a difficult period for him," France coach Didier Deschamps told a press conference on Tuesday, via ESPN FC. "He was sent off in the Champions League with Arsenal and couldn't play in their last match in the competition. He's not playing as much as before. Inevitably, his confidence has diminished."

Walcott's confidence, by contrast, must be at an all-time high. So too should Arsenal, who will have renewed belief in their ability to challenge for the title.

Two losses in their first six league games seemed to all but rule out the Gunners' title challenge this season. But after beating Manchester United on Sunday, Arsenal were only two points behind leaders Manchester City.

We've been here before, of course. Arsenal have flattered to deceive in recent seasons, and one great result does not mean a title challenge is inevitable. Arsenal must sustain their form throughout the season, but if Walcott can continue his fine run of form at center-forward, the Gunners will at least have one less problem to worry about.