Arsenal striker Theo Walcott produced an impressive performance against Manchester United on Sunday, but has he done enough to secure a first-team role?
Although the England international didn’t find the back of the net, his presence up front in the early stages of the game, as illustrated below, helped the Gunners take a commanding lead.
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Aside from providing an assist for Mesut Ozil, he set the tempo with his pressing and all-action performance and he undoubtedly continues to impress in the leading striker role.
Nevertheless, the question remains as to whether or not he can deliver consistently for Arsene Wenger. Olivier Giroud was on the bench at the Emirates on Sunday and provides a different type of threat, and so the French tactician may see it as a case of adjusting according to the opposition.
While Walcott’s pace, movement and ability to run the channels can stretch teams when Arsenal are looking to break down their opponents who have opted to emphasise a stubborn rearguard performance, Giroud can useful in other facets of the game.
The Frenchman’s ability to hold up the ball as well as link up play and provide a real goalscoring threat in the box is essential in certain situations, and it may well be a case of Wenger rotating throughout the campaign.
However, Walcott has certainly made his case for a permanent position in the starting line-up his contribution on Sunday, and the 26-year-old will hope to continue to earn his place with energetic and influential displays such as the one offered against Louis van Gaal’s side.
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