Superior Arsenal Outclass McClarens FC Twente

An evening to prelude a season of redemption, and to whom it may concern, an opportunity to exorcise the demons clouding the acts of yesteryear. The emirates welcomed those in question last night and conveyed a hint of fruition, an early sign of promise and a sense of expectation all in London’s N5.

Arsenal played host to the Eredivsie’s FC Twente and saw an England return for Steve McClaren, albeit minus a brolly. With Fulham proving to strong a challenge prior to last nights champions league encounter, an Arsenal side boosted by the return of Cesc Fabregas aimed to build on the poor Craven Cottage display.

On the back of a 2-0 advantage, Arsenal were always superior. And as McClaren goes Dutch (quite literally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l9BFJYiPxA) a word of sympathy feels appropriate as Twente’s fans inherit such a wealth of management expertise. It was a name the directors wanted to manage the club anyway, so, well done. Stigma and (un)convincing accents are obviously irrelevant.

A champions league start for Walcott then, and a chance to shine in what’s now labelled his make or break season. All of this however, is somewhat strange for a promising teenager whose only crimes seems to be his place in the Arsenal squad, and early attention from McClaren’s England predecessor.

Wenger’s notorious golden eye (no pun intended) and army of scouts, has over the last decade, identified and developed so many players that his interest in Walcott created an instant expectation. Scout Damien Comolli’s departure to join rivals Spurs however, does suggest that, on the back of his recent success in signing young prospects, Comolli has either lost his touch, or remains loyal to the Gunners.

A weight of expectation lies heavy on the shoulders of Walcott and a damaged confidence perhaps clouds his self-belief. His final ball may not be the best and as Alan Hansen “expertly” puts it, Theo “lacks composure.” What then, that finish was to earn him a well-deserved goal, I’ll never know. Then again, I’m obviously not an expert.

I do however, echo the sentiments that in tribute to Tom Hank’s “Forest Gump” neutrals and fans alike will the teenager to “run Theo, run.” His turn of pace and acceleration is lightning, how many defenders could realistically keep up?

I’ve heard of teams playing to their strengths, launching ball’s up field to a hefty centre forward. Yet, am I alone in wishing Walcott would develop a self-belief behind the strength of his phenomenal quickness? Run Theo, run, or more specifically, beat a man and build from there.

Walcott did however flash glimpses of his potential, repeatedly coasting past the Twente left back. However, it wouldn’t require Wenger’s expertise to recognize that the defender, substituted on half time, is not one for the future.

Arsenal left the field at half time a goal to the good according to Hansen, provided “everything but goals.” Forgive my ignorance but aren’t goals always everything anyway? They decide results don’t they? Even when none are scored?

Ignorance and cynicism aside, Arsenal are through and Twente are not. A score line of 4-0 perhaps flattered McClaren’s side and would of done so Arsenal, had it been the same performance and team defeated in Fulham.

However, a rejuvenated squad, a replenished injury-free talisman, and a replaced misfiring, badge-kissing prima Donna meant Arsenal, found redemption in the form of an encouraging score line. Walcott and Arsenal were impressive in parts, yet in terms of redemption, McClaren for the time being will need to look a lot closer to his adopted home (and accent) for his.