Theo Walcott was Arsenal's all-action hero against Chelsea

29 December 2010 10:47
Theo Walcott wants Arsenal to forget about their impressive victory against Chelsea but the winger should do quite the opposite. [LNB]Nine months after Chris Waddle accused him of having no football brain, he showed how far he has come. [LNB]The hard time Walcott gave Ashley Cole at left-back, the run and finish for his goal and the intelligent lay-off for Cesc Fabregas for the skipper's goal proved what a player he can be. [LNB] Derby delight: Walcott destroyed Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea with a superb display at the Emirates[LNB]Walcott even took up a fantastic position in space in the penalty area when Alex Song opened the scoring for Arsenal in their 3-1 win on Monday night but was ignored. [LNB]Arsenal's pressing game may not have been made just for him but it suited him down to the ground.[LNB] The busy, all-action style kept Walcott involved, made the most of his speed and stamina and allowed him and his team-mates to show their desire and determination. [LNB]   More from Leo Spall... Leo's London: It's now or never for Bendtner after all his own hype 22/12/10 Leo's London: Nasri's brilliant form means Arsenal can stop relying on Fab08/12/10 Leo's London: Fulham may be falling but Hughes remains the Spark01/12/10 Leo's London: Arsenal or Spurs for the Premier League title? Forget it ...24/11/10 LEO'S LONDON: Bad luck Chelsea, but should you rely on a small squad?17/11/10 Leo's London: Wenger's gamble goes wrong as Koscielny comes up short09/11/10 LEO'S LONDON: Avram has three games to save job - and a sorry season 03/11/10 Leo's London: Defence is the best form of attack for Tottenham26/10/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE  It was not just about intricate, pretty football and it gave a previously shaky defence (shored up by a good performance from Johan Djourou) some much-needed protection. It also exposed Chelsea's frailties. [LNB]Against some teams it will not work but Arsene Wenger must be tempted to employ it more frequently given the way it brought the best out of Walcott and company. [LNB]So what would Waddle and Alan Hansen, who later repeated the criticism, say about the 21-year-old now? [LNB]Walcott's crossing may not be perfect still and his decision-making or instincts not as good as  Fabregas', but as a forward he is beginning to fulfil his potential. [LNB]He has made only five Premier League starts this season but has scored six goals. [LNB]In the Carling Cup and Champions League he has as many goals as starts - two in each. [LNB]Walcott's speed and direct runs are potent when they are well timed and into the right areas. [LNB]His performance against Chelsea was not a one-off or the first of its kind - even if Wenger has often chosen to exploit his pace from the bench this season - but there is no harm in remembering its simplicity and purpose. [LNB]As Arsenal chase that so painfully elusive Premier League title, it might just come in handy.   [LNB]Whatever Chelsea say about Carlo Ancelotti's future at the club, it is hard for anyone to believe he will be there much longer ­- and that appears to include their players. [LNB]After getting rid of coach Ray Wilkins against the manager's wishes, the Italian was seriously undermined. [LNB]Combined with a dismal run of results that would normally prompt the previously trigger-happy Roman Abramovich to act, Ancelotti cannot help but look weak and isolated. [LNB] Under fire: Chelsea manager Ancelotti was not a happy man as he watched his side crash to the Gunners[LNB]The word is that cost and a lack of good and available managerial alternatives are key reasons for the manager keeping his job. [LNB]Ancelotti's record as a Double winner here and Champions League winner with AC Milan was probably third in the factors keeping him in place. [LNB]The fact that Chelsea need managerial stability and someone of his calibre to oversee the transition to the younger team the owner wants is unlikely to have much bearing on the equation. And the result is a downward spiral in the team's performances. [LNB]All is not lost yet but Ancelotti's claim in an interview in Italy this week that any talk of cracks in the Chelsea dressing rooms is 'balls' must be bravado. [LNB]The players are not as unified as they should be. That much was evident at Arsenal. [LNB] Big guns firing blanks: Chelsea trio (from left) Drogba, Lampard and Terry leave the pitch after losing to Arsenal[LNB]Chelsea's best players have not become bad players overnight. Despite some fitness problems, John Terry and Didier Drogba have not aged by a decade since the team's superb start to the season. [LNB]Chelsea in the past could grind out results even when they were not at their best or had key players missing. [LNB]At Arsenal this week they looked as dispirited a team as they have been in the Abramovich era and that lack of togetherness and belief is as much a problem as anything else. [LNB] Ancelotti had complained about Chelsea's form before they visited Emirates Stadium and afterwards said his players need to 'wake-up'. [LNB] It should be clear against a decent Bolton side tonight (Wednesday) whether they are still listening. [LNB]..................................................................................................Kyle Walker is a right-back but his attacking play for QPR at Coventry was sensational on Tuesday and he looked just the sort of player Neil Warnock will need at Loftus Road long-term. [LNB]The Rangers manager is known for his motivational ability and his knowledge of how to bring together a side capable of mounting a promotion push. [LNB] Great expectations: On-loan Ranger Walker (left) is tipped to enjoy a bright future in the game[LNB]But with elevation to the Premier League now QPR's to lose, those behind the scenes at the club should have one eye on assembling a team for next season. [LNB]Walker, on loan from Spurs, combines strength, grit and skill and, at 20-years-old, is the type of player an ambitious club such as Rangers should be targeting to complement the more experienced players.[LNB]..................................................................................................Mark Hughes' detractors among the Fulham faithful have been complaining with increasing volume about the team's lack of fight. Their win at Stoke should put paid to that. [LNB]Hughes is a good manager and will not tolerate a lack of resolve in his players. [LNB]Fulham have injury problems and they need new faces in several positions but, given time, Hughes will get things right.  [LNB] Walcott: Beating Chelsea will count for nothing if we lose to WiganChelsea out of control: Woe deepens for Ancelotti's men after Arsenal defeatStoke 0 Fulham 2: Chris of life for under-fire Cottagers boss HughesCoventry 0 QPR 2: Rangers keep clear of chasing pack with comfortable win[LNB][LNB]  Explore more:People: Johan Djourou, Neil Warnock, John Terry, Mark Hughes, Alex Song, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Theo Walcott, Roman Abramovich, Carlo Ancelotti Places: Italy

Source: Daily_Mail