fortunate Theo Walcott's fine form up front has made
up for his failure to sign a striker
Ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Arsene Wenger should
consider himself lucky that Theo Walcott has stepped up in the
No. 9 role this season.
Wenger was heavily criticised for his failure to bring in a new
striker during the transfer window, yet Walcott has proven his
manager right with some encouraging performances up front.
"There was so much disappointment from the Arsenal fans
about Wenger not getting in a centre-forward in the summer and
you can understand that," Smith told Sky Sports.
"Theo has always wanted to play through the middle, and I think
most of us have had doubts as to whether he could do it. But
what he needs is a run in the side to be able to learn the
intricacies of the position, the runs to make, the hold-up play.
"He'll only be able to do that by getting a run in the side and it
seems Wenger is willing to give him that. He wouldn't be willing
to do it if Theo wasn't playing well and scoring goals, but he is.
"It comes down to confidence with his finishing. If he thinks, 'I
need to be scoring today or else I might be losing my place' that
can make you tighten up a little bit. You need to have the faith
of your manager and the confidence to go out there and be nice
and relaxed when you do get chances.
"It seems that he's getting towards that point now which is very
encouraging."
Walcott has scored two goals in six Premier League
appearances so far this campaign.
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