Theo Walcott Should Start Against Chelsea – Arsenal Legend Advises Wenger

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has lent Arsene Wenger his voice by suggesting that the French boss start speedster Theo Walcott upfront ahead of Olivier Giroud when the north Londoners travel to West London to face Chelsea on Saturday, the Daily Mail report.

Walcott started Arsenal’s last two league games, scoring the first goal in last weekend’s defeat of Stoke City at the Emirates. And with Giroud misfiring, there have been suggestions that the former Montpellier striker settle for a bench role in subsequent matches.

Keown says that looking at the performances of Walcott and Giroud, there is no doubt about who should lead the line for the Gunners at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

“Theo Walcott should start at the moment. Arsenal are at their best when they pass it through the compartments,” said the Arsenal legend, who is now a football pundit.

“When they get Ozil and Sanchez in a central position they are able to play good quality balls on the deck for Theo’s pace. There isn’t a defender on the planet who is going to catch him.”

Giroud has taken some flak of late for his poor performances and it appeared it got to him during Arsenal’s Champions League opening defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, as he was handed a start ahead of Walcott.

The France international cut a frustrated figure during the game and was sent off in the first half for two bookable offences, leaving Arsenal with a difficult task to complete.

Walcott was introduced later in the second half and quickly made an impact by scoring a consolation goal for the Gunners and, the Zagreb defenders had to be on their toes for the pacey forward.

But Giroud is still Arsenal’s top goalscorer so far in the Premier League this season, despite the sticks he has received. However, it is highly likely that Wenger will go for Walcott to lead the line when Arsenal tackle Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.