Theo Walcott: A Man on Fire in Arsenal's 6-0 Win

I had a lot to think about after this Saturday’s game against Blackpool. The headlines were screaming Theo this and Theo that, but much credit must be given to Rosicky for pulling the strings in midfield all game long. Most people expected Arsenal to win, but a 6-0 scoreline was way beyond most estimations given their flying start last week with a win over Wigan.

Theo Walcott looked very very sharp in pace, possession and thinking. There was a good mix in his game between creating opportunities for team mates and taking chances. I think we need to see a bit more of his selfishly intelligent side this season.

I think he has responded positively to the disappointment of not being included in the England squad for last summer’s World Cup in South Africa speaking of staying back after training to work on his technique. I think he can only get better.

On this, the manager was quick to add;

“He is developing still and maybe what happened to him is part of his development. He was too nervous in front of goal, he rushed his movements. Now he is composed, and once a player feels and understands how to be composed and calm in front of goal, it opens their mind.”

It was interesting to see our new 4-2-3-1 formation rear its head again. Arsene has always been known for adapting his formation to suit personnel and this season has followed a similar trend. Unlike at Liverpool, Wilshere sat deep in midfield with Diaby right in front of the back four.

Rosicky roved just in front of them with Arshavin and Walcott the two wide men for Chamakh who was down the middle. With the growing influence of Chamakh in the squad, I have a sneaky suspicion that once again, Arsene Wenger might be forced to adapt his formation to enable him play alongside Van Persie in attack. He said,

“They can play together but that will be a 4-4-2. We’ll see, it depends a little bit, one can play on the flank and come in, but at the moment we have plenty of choice going forward—touch wood.

“I believe he is a player who adapts still to our style but if you look at the impact he has on the game…he got the penalty, he got the sending off, he got the goal and he was involved in the goal last week. He is an efficient player and he has still to adapt to our style. But I am very confident that when you see the header today his goals can be vital in big games.”

Arshavin was his usual self. Anonymous in one game and simply brilliant in the next. Last season he didn’t show up against the weaker teams. This season it seems to be the opposite going by the trend so far.

Thomas Vermaelen, in my opinion, was largely anonymous for most of the game. That in my book is a good thing. Song was the more visible figure when Blackpool attacked although Vermaelen did turn up at corners to give a go at the chance.

Overall, I think it was an impressive team performance although we didn’t exactly play against one of the tougher teams in the league. Still the signs were positive and as StevieGooner pointed out, it was good to see to see Blackpool’s keeper applaud Theo Walcott as he was being substituted. Blackpool Manager Ian Holloway admitted that they were outclassed, he said,

“Thank you Mr Wenger, it was an absolute education.

“Some of the football Arsenal played was world class and they could have scored more. After the red card it was then damage limitation and the damaged us all the way to the end.”

I guess that’s all he could say as he’s probably a better loser than Arsene.

Last night, news broke that Sevilla had accepted a bid for centre back Sebastien Squillaci from Arsenal and that the player was on his way to London for a medical today. At 30 he’s got enough experience to hold his own so I won’t say anymore till he actually does sign. Till then I just hope he doesn’t pick 13 as his squad number. That’s mine!

I’ll talk about Gallas to Spurs some other time.

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Cheers and have a great week!

Victoria Concordia Crescit.