Arsenal: Is This Theo Walcott's Breakthrough Season?

Arsenal cruised to a 6-0 victory against Blackpool on Saturday, gaining three important points at the start of the new season. Theo Walcott was the star of the encounter, scoring a marvellous hat-trick for the Gunners, which prompts us to ponder whether this can be his breakthrough season.

Walcott was a menace for the shaky Blackpool defence down the right flank and managed to cause a lot of problems for his marker. He linked up well with Marouane Chamakh, and Arsenal's incisive passing decimated their opponents, who had to surrender meekly.

Walcott opened his account for this season by finishing off a move, which involved Tomas Rosicky and Andrei Arshavin, with aplomb. He was also involved in a lot of Arsenal moves and was always a real nuisance to the Blackpool defence. He was in sublime form, scoring two more deserved goals, laying claim for the match ball.

Will Samir Nasri's Injury be the spark that lights the fire?

In the previous season, Samir Nasri made one of the winger positions, his own, leaving Walcott to warm the bench. With his tricks and vision, he has come a long way and has cemented his place in the team with his performances during the latter half of the previous season and in Arsenal's pre-season.

In the latter half of the last season, when Walcott was fit, he had to watch from the sidelines as Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Eboue and Tomas Rosicky had both moved up the pecking order for the right midfield slot. Even after his wonderful performance at the Emirates against Burnley, he had to be on the bench for the mid-week Champions League encounter against FC Porto. It was a clear indication that Walcott would struggle to hold down a starting place amidst competition from Nasri, Rosicky and Eboue.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, Samir Nasri is injured for the next few weeks, and guess what his replacement achieved? A Man of the Match performance against Blackpool, admittedly not the strongest side in the league. With Tomas Rosicky slotting in at the centre of the park,  this would provide ample playing time for Theo Walcott.

Is the World Championship exclusion driving Walcott to redeem himself?

Theo Walcott was a surprise inclusion for England by the then manger Sven-Goran Eriksson as a part of the 2006 World cup team, when he had not even played in the Premiership. From then on, he has remained a part of the England setup and was an integral part of the side during their World Cup qualifiers. But he was omitted from the final squad for the 2010 World cup by manager Fabio Capello, after having a bad season with Arsenal.

Walcott suffered an injury-hit last season and Capello was quoted as saying that Walcott was not the same after recovering from his injuries. However, after England's humiliation at the hands of Germany, Walcott has been recalled back to the England team.

He was the hat-trick scoring hero for England against Croatia in Zagreb. At that time, he was sure to be on the plane to the Rainbow nation, but injuries and poor form contributed to his exclusion. Now, after a summer of disappointment, he has come back, rejuvenated, hungry and is trying to establish his credentials for a first team place.

Arsene Wenger, the Key to Walcott's Success

If in the world there is a manager who can harness the full potential of Theo Walcott, it has got to be Arsene Wenger. Wenger is a great manager, who has helped many youngsters make the grade at the highest level. Wenger believes in Walcott's ability and is the key to Walcott realising his immense talent.

Thierry Henry was not a superstar at Monaco and only under the keen eyes of Wenger, did he evolve into one of the most feared strikers in the world. Many of the Arsenal first team have all matured under the astute stewardship of Wenger, and even though Walcott is still a work in progress, there are sure signs of improvement from him.

Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Alex Song are, now, assured first team starters, on a regular basis, thanks to the faith kept in them by Wenger. Wenger will not hinder Walcott's progress and will look to provide more playing time to the England International.

Walcott's performance against Blackpool would have done him a world of good and he has a great chance of cementing his spot in the team. Wenger has always thrown his weight behind Walcott and will back him to perform under any circumstance.

What can Arsenal Fans Expect from Theo Walcott, this Season?

Theo Walcott is blessed with searing pace, which will cause panic for any defence. It is up to how he uses his pace, which will determine whether this will be his breakthrough season.

His decision making has often been under scrutiny, with former greats commenting about his lack of a footballing brain. He is not the best of crossers in the Arsenal team, which will be another area he has to work on. If his game against Blackpool is any indication, then he has surely improved from the last season on his decision making ability.

Walcott has been an effective super-sub in the recent past, most notably against Barcelona, but he is far too talented to remain on the bench for long. It is important that Wenger keeps Walcott's spirits on a high. Walcott will be provided with opportunities to enhance his potential and reputation, but it is up to him to grab his opportunities.

Walcott will surely trouble opposition defences with his scorching pace, and if he can produce the sort of silky finishing, that he did at the Emirates against Blackpool, expect him to be an integral part of the team. Confidence is everything to a player, and when Walcott is confident, he can demolish quality defences on his own.

Wenger mentioned that having an injury free pre-season has made Walcott sharp and hungry for success. With age on his side and the hunger to succeed, Arsenal fans can look forward to many more impressive performances from the winger.