What now for Walcott?

[milla]

But if we're going for 4-6-0 (or near enough like Saturday) then we don't need our CF to assist or hold-up play like Van Persie because they won't play with their back to goal. If we're going with Gervinho up front then I think Theo is also worth a crack. I'm glad Wenger is trying this formation though because I think it suits our players' strengths quite well. Forget about Giroud, he acts as a Crouch plan B.

RvP is probably the best fake no9 in history, perfect for 4-6-0. If only Theo knows how to dribble, he would be perfect for us.

[milla]

It's worth a shot because the first goal Gervinho scored, i can see Theo making that sort of movement all day. I'm also thinking about the way Cesc played for Spain. He's far from quick or strong, didn't hold the ball up but he was effective and hard to mark.

It is never about shooting but how these players use the ball when there is no shooting option. Any decent striker will get a chance to shoot on goal, especially at Arsenal.

[Power n Glory]

It is never about shooting but how these players use the ball when there is no shooting option. Any decent striker will get a chance to shoot on goal, especially at Arsenal.

I think you're missing the point. I'm talking about quick movement, agility and being fluid. Giroud doesn't look like he's capable of playing the false 9 role, he's not mobile enough. Will he adjust, time will tell. As said, Theo has great off the ball movement, it's one of his strengths. Defenders will have a harder time keeping track of his movement and if if he's dropping deep to play a quick one two and then rushing in behind defenders, it could cause problems.

I could see why Wenger went for Chamkah. He does link up play when he drops deep but his movement is slow and labored. He drops off to make a pass but his movement is slow. He's not urgent enough or quick enough to lose a marker. We need a different approach. When Ade was on form, he had the size but the key was his constant movement and remember Ferdinand said he hated to defending against him because of it. When he got lazy, that was it for him. The goals dried up. With RVP, it was the same, constantly on the move. If Cesc can find joy at Barca and Spain with this approach then it's worth us seeing what Theo can do. Either that or let him go.

[Power n Glory]

But if we're going for 4-6-0 (or near enough like Saturday) then we don't need our CF to assist or hold-up play like Van Persie because they won't play with their back to goal. If we're going with Gervinho up front then I think Theo is also worth a crack. I'm glad Wenger is trying this formation though because I think it suits our players' strengths quite well. Forget about Giroud, he acts as a Crouch plan B.

http://arseblog.com/2012/09/tactics-...bination-play/

A piece on Arseblog about Gervinho's role and our formation.

[Fist of Lehmann]

Yeah, I was going to make that comment, Gervil didn't play as a no. 9/10 (or a 9½) but like a 9/11 (or a 9 and 2 ½s).

Him pulling wide right and linking with Chambo and Jenko gives us a natural balance. The left, with the 2 best attacking players (Cazo and Podo) already looks like being the weapon of choice.
The knockout left hook to our more defensive right jab.

It's also good to field some pace and direct running at CF again, it allows us to defend deeper and then counter. Early signs are that Giroud lacks pace, which probably requires us to push higher up the pitch to support him.

The money question then, can Theo perform the same role? I know he sometimes takes the CF role in training, though maybe not as a 9 and 2 halves.
With his pace, finishing and some intelligent movement, he could scare the shit out of centrebacks. But his decision making, vision, passing and technique often fall short.

Correct use of Theo depends on maximising his obvious strengths and minimising his obvious weaknesses, but the deficiencies in his game mean he will always be factory flawed.
As always with Theo, it's the rough with the smooth.

[Master Splinter]

Correct use of Theo depends on maximising his obvious strengths and minimising his obvious weaknesses, but the deficiencies in his game mean he will always be factory flawed.
As always with Theo, it's the rough with the smooth.

Entirely correct.

Or this, if you prefer.

[Niall_Quinn]

The knockout left hook to our more defensive right jab.

Economy of words required here - try using "shit"

[Cripps_orig]

ARSENE WENGER is worried Arsenal fans are now jeering Theo Walcott.
The England star has yet to agree a new contract and was booed by some supporters when he came on during Saturday’s 6-1 win over Southampton.
Walcott, who will be a free agent next summer, completed the scoring although he could remain on the bench for tonight’s Champions League opener at Montpellier.
Boss Wenger said: “It is a worry. You want your players to be supported no matter what contractual situation they are in. I hope it does not affect me or his fans.
“I hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it does not affect me.”
Walcott, wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool, has turned down an offer from Arsenal worth £75,000 a week but he is understood to be keen to stay.
Wenger added: “Theo is 23 and has gone through a lot. A lot of positives and a lot of negatives.”


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz26m4XNJPO

I heard no jeers. There must have been 2 or 3 NQ like people there who jeered who the Sun reporter just happened to be sitting near by to?

Anyway agree with Wenger here

[Niall_Quinn]

I heard no jeers. There must have been 2 or 3 NQ like people there who jeered who the Sun reporter just happened to be sitting near by to?

Anyway agree with Wenger here

There are only 2 NQs and one of them is fake. I wasn't at the match so it must have been the fake **** who was booing. Fair enough to boo overpaid tossers who are demanding more cash. Walcott should go into banking if he;s that desperate for money for nothing.

[Cripps_orig]

You are going against Wenger?

Very unlike you.

Usually everything he says and does is right