12 Years a Gunner: An Honest Look at Theo Walcott’s Arsenal Career
After much speculation, Theo Walcott’s Arsenal career finally came to an end this week as he completed his transfer to Everton. For much of Arsenal’s fan base this was a cause for celebration given that Walcott was subject to his fair share of abuse, especially in the final months of his time at the club. In 12 years, he leaves the club having scored 108 goals & provided 78 assists. Are they right in slating him or was Theo treated rather unfairly?
It was started when the fresh-faced 16 year old transferred from Southampton in January 2006, following a rapid rise to fame after making it into Southampton’s first team. Arriving at Arsenal with the world at his feet, at times it seemed pundits and fans alike got too caught up in his potential. It felt like lofty expectations were tossed out but no one really knew what they wanted Theo Walcott to become, including Walcott himself at times. In a nation that’s been hoping to recapture glory that came once several decades ago, this can be a very dangerous thing. Time & time again, fans & pundits will overly hype a player and what they’re capable of only to berate them when those unrealistic expectations aren’t met. The constant critiquing can be damaging for a young player’s confidence and overall morale. It’s a cycle that didn’t start with Theo and likely won’t end there either. With each case, there’ll be more fingers to be pointed & one or two people sharing the brunt of the blame.
Many will forever say that Arsene failed Theo & his development but I’m not quite sure that’s the case. On his day, he was a good and serviceable winger, pestering defenses with his pace. He could also be deadly in front of goal, as shown by his 19 goals last season, despite his somewhat limited playing time in the latter half of the season. Sure, there will always be the debates over whether he should’ve gotten a proper chance at showing his promise at the center forward role. Sometimes, potential & promise can be misleading. Sometimes, this is as good as it gets.
If there’s one thing to be agreed upon, it’s that it was time to move on for both parties involved. There’s been some good memories & some big goals as Walcott held us down during some of the more chaotic years in the club’s recent history. While there might’ve been more to be desired, he gave his all whenever he wore that cannon on his chest. For that, we should be thankful.
