Theo Walcott has praised the Arsenal fans for their support during the difficult 3-2 win over Swansea on Saturday.
The 27 year old’s two goals played a crucial part in that win, and he was keen to give props to the support and colleague Mesut Ozil for his spectacular contribution as well.
Walcott said the team’s desire and hard work is showing in the performances, insisting the whole squad are playing a part too.
“It’s not just the starting 11, it’s the whole squad,” he said. “25 of us are working hard, day in and day out. I think you can tell that on the pitch [because] the passion is there. The fans were with us today, they were with us from start to finish and we’ve got to thank them for that, definitely.”
On Ozil’s spectacular birthday finish, he continued, “He’s chipping in with a few goals. The goal was fantastic, obviously it’s worked well. Alexis has spotted him yet again and he didn’t scuff it this time – it’s a great finish.”
And he said competition for places has helped drive the team to its sixth successive Premier League win.
“There’s always been competition for places when you’re at such a big club,” he continued. “It gets the best out of everyone but when you’re called upon you need to be able to make the difference and, like I say, everyone’s ready for a very tight Premier League.
“You can’t really call it now but all we’ve got to do is just control ourselves. That’s all we can do, keep on doing that and we’ll be fine I’m sure.”
Generous of him to say, but sadly false. Barely anyone was singing till the first goal (outside of the Swansea fans who treated us to “We’ll sing on our own”). Weird atmosphere, but let’s hope we can chalk it up to post-interlull lethargy and a bit of trepidation about Swansea. UTA
I disagree enough to leave a comment but not enough to get into a debate.
I agree with both statements, hate confrontation and enjoy sitting comfortably on the fence… if that’s cool with everyone?
Well, then you must be sitting in the North Bank, cause nobody else was making much noise.
Superfan
In 2002 Wenger brought Sol Campbell, Franny Jeffers, Richard Wright and Gio Van Bronkhurst.
Only one of them actually had any impact or improved the 1st team.
But just the injection of new faces and competition pushed a nearly team on to becoming one of the best sides of an era.
No more scuffing it Theo.
“He didn’t scuff it this time”. Cheeky Theo!
Yeah he shinned it this time
There must be something going on between Theo and Ozil. Ozil’s doesn’t mask his frustrations with Theo on the field and Theo picks at Ozil’s failings (finishing). Acceptable, as long as it doesn’t hurt the team…
Definitely a slightly narky undertone to Theo’s Ozil comments – like “he’s now chipping in with a few goals”, which kind of trivialises his contribution. And as for “this time he didn’t scuff it..” ! Coming from someone who’s hardly been prolific in recent seasons and who has been known to royally shank a few sitters himself, that’s a bit rich. Must be the famous “bantz” Ramsey’s always telling us about…
Walcott had nine seasons of mediocre contribution.
It’s worth commenting on by Theo because it was such a sweet volley and how many times does a player get an opportunity to atone for a miss like that, by getting the exact same chance fashioned for him a few games later by the exact same player (Alexis)?
This time he didn’t scuff it, nothing wrong in saying that.
Lags all just be positive and stand with the team and the manager.
There’s been a shift in personality in this squad; there’s a hunger and professionalism we haven’t quite seen in the squad’s character in recent campaigns.
Theo – thus far – is an excellent representative of said change. Long may it continue, it’s what will be the difference.
I liked the way he stood his ground for the second goal. Previously he could be pushed out but now he has toughened up both physically and mentally.
Shit is getting real
On another note has anyone seen the Ox on TV talking about more game time?
Really disappointed in him, and his dad. As much as I’d love for him to stay and Arsenal and grow up a bit so he can challenge for a place consistently, that was a very desperate move. Why would you ever try to back Wenger into a corner?!
Winger is good at that kinda game you know
Not the biggest fan of Oxlade-Chamberlain but can’t see that he’s done anything wrong in that interview. He says he’s totally focused on getting into the Arsenal team, wants to stay at Arsenal and although he would obviously like more game time he’s doing his best to see if he can break into the first team. Did you actually watch the interview or just pick up on the stupid headlines in the red tops?
Did have a problem with that interview at all, he wants game time but he’s focusing on Arsenal working hard to feature. Good luck to him too, he looked really good when he came on against Swansea and I’m sure they’ll be opportunities soon. Theo and Sanchez will be due a rest soon for sure and there will be injuries like always. Just hope he takes his chance and if he doesn’t get enough games there’s always the Wilshere option of going on loan
Onwards and upwards lads, even if it’s just one place up 😉
Yes, but if you’re only going to go up one place then what a good choice of team going the other way. 🙂
Let’s just keep on doing the good work and keep moving forward and upwards. COYG!
Theo, us fans are with you too now that you have improved your game and work rate. Theo! Theo! Theo!
Woah! What’s this news of Ox thinking about leaving??
Ox looked great when he came on, but seems to struggle when given a start. I like him as an impact sub right now on our squad, that’s his role for now until he can conquer the mental hurdles.
Theo needs to keep it up! He’s looking great this year.
The reason we all wanted the new signings was to improve the squad and weed out the inconsistencies. So far, Jack has suffered from this and I can’t say it would be surprising if Ox did too. Cause and effect init fam
“Alexis has spotted him again and he didn’t scuff it this time”
Shots fired.
Scuffed shots fired.
We’ve always loved you Theo
I havn.t but i.m coming around now he is playing well and showing real commitment